The 3Cheers System
The 3Cheers System is a practical, hospitality-first approach that helps patrons maintain the right balance of hydration while drinking. This boosts interaction between staff and guests, strengthens rapport, makes the fewer required Ask-to-Leaves smoother, reduces negative incidents, keeps groups together, and increases bar takings. Staff learn the system through our SASH course.
Why 3Cheers Works
3Cheers works on two fronts — body and mind.
Body: Alcohol dehydrates people far faster than they realise. As hydration drops, guests can begin to show signs that resemble intoxication. Dehydration also directly causes reduced clarity, lower sociability, increased reactivity, irritability, a more negative outlook, and a worse next day. Proactive hydration early prevents these changes from appearing — and can often reverse them — keeping guests clearer, happier, and more social.
Mind: The positive interactions built into the 3Cheers approach — checking in early, offering support, and building rapport — make guests more receptive to guidance throughout their visit. This lifts mood, reduces flashpoints, and makes any Ask-to-Leaves smoother for both staff and patrons.
What Makes 3Cheers Different
Most venues believe they already “offer water” — but standard hydration happens late, when a guest has already had too much or is close to it. Over time, patrons have been conditioned to read a late water offer as a warning, or a sign that security may soon step in.
3Cheers flips this entirely. Staff guide hydration early, positively, and in a way guests genuinely welcome. Patrons quickly adapt and appreciate the added hospitality.
This is the core skill 3Cheers teaches: how to guide hydration across the full range of common service scenarios, in a way that feels natural for staff and enjoyable for guests. The system works consistently across different venues, personalities, and patron types.
Twin Towns Case Study
From sceptical to fully onboard.
Click the image above to watch the 60-second case study summary.
Prefer the full version? Watch the full case study here.
The SASH Course
Smarter Service. Safer Venues. Happier Guests.
The SASH Course teaches staff how to apply MAW & SMILE in 10 real-world scenarios, giving them practical skills to keep guests safe, happy, and hydrated — while boosting smooth service and venue performance.
Core Frameworks (MAW + SMILE):
- MAW: Mood, Assist, Water
- SMILE: Socialise, Manage, Identify, Leave it, Enjoy
10 Scenarios:
- The Doors – Welcoming guests and assessing for intoxication or behavioural risks.
- On the Job – Applying MAW and SMILE during everyday service.
- Save from Intox – Early intervention to prevent patrons from becoming intoxicated.
- Time to Go – Guiding patrons to leave safely and respectfully when required.
- One Bad Apple – Supporting an at-risk guest while keeping their group onside.
- Water Only – Restricting patrons to water when needed and assessing their condition.
- Second Opinion – Collaborating with colleagues to ensure correct decisions on intoxication.
- The Party Group – Keeping celebration groups happy and together for as long as they want.
- Temperature Rising – Defusing escalating energy or tension before problems arise.
- The Rake – Moving through the venue to engage guests, spot risks, and handle issues proactively.
Quick to complete and easy to apply, the SASH course delivers fast results for your venue and staff.
Proven Results: Deakin University Case Study
A 2017–2019 pilot at a bustling Sydney venue (overseen by Deakin University) revealed:
- Approaching Intoxication ↓ 55%
- Intoxication ↓ 75%
- Violence ↓ 500% (complete cessation)
- Aggression ↓ 80%
- Bar Revenue ↑ 5%
Venue managers reported:
- Better guest experiences and higher staff morale
- Stronger venue–community relationships and reduced compliance issues
“We were already running a tight ship, so I didn’t expect big changes. But the results from Three Cheers were undeniable—intoxication dropped, violence stopped, and the whole place just felt better. Staff were more confident, patrons more relaxed. It’s made a lasting impact on how we manage our venue.” — Mark Gerber, CEO & Licensee, Oxford Art Factory
Click here to view the full Deakin University report.
Testimonials
Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
“Since adopting Three Cheers (SASH), we’ve seen a measurable decline in ATLs for any reason, and an increase in staff and guest satisfaction. I recommend Three Cheers for any licensed premises.” — Mark Gerber, CEO & Licensee
Solotel Group
“Our team has successfully reduced ‘Ask to Leaves’—SASH training works.” — Natasha Brennan, Operations/HR Manager
Prince of Wales Hotel and the Gulgong Liquor Accord
“We put SASH into action on our toughest night of the year and had a smooth, incident-free shift—patrons even thanked us for the change.” – Rowena Ellis, Licensee, Prince of Wales Hotel & Coordinator, Gulgong Liquor Accord
The Orient Hotel, Sydney
“Immediate reduction in alcohol-related negative incidents, increased revenue, and improved staff retention.” — James Stevenson, General Manager/Licensee
Vulcan Hotel, Sydney
“Easy to follow, this training helps us provide a safer, more enjoyable environment for everyone.” — Anj Hernandez, Hotel Manager
Tiva, Sydney
“Our team found the psychological tactics especially valuable for handling difficult situations.” — Jasmine Selmann, Venue Supervisor
Video Testimonial
Hear from a former security guard turned venue manager on how Three Cheers helped improve guest safety, boost revenue, and strengthen staff teamwork.
Featured Video
💧 Russell Crowe's Tip to Ed Sheeran = A 3Cheers Foundation
What Russell shared with Ed Sheeran captures a core foundation of our approach: hydration. A simple shift that helps patrons have a safer, better night — and makes the experience smoother for staff and security too.
Watch now ➔ here
💻 SASH Online Courses
SASH – BASICS
Bite-sized sections — total 35–50 minutes.
Covers SASH’s core MAW + SMILE frameworks and two key scenarios:
• On the Job — applying the system during everyday service
• Save from Intox — early intervention to prevent intoxication
SASH – FULL COURSE
Bite-sized sections — total 60–90 minutes.
Applies SASH’s unique theory to 10 real-world venue scenarios, giving staff the full set of skills to manage guests proactively and confidently.
📩 Contact us for a tailored quote.
Not sure which course or mix suits your team? Get in touch to discuss.
NSW Parliament
In its 2019 report on Sydney’s Night-Time Economy, the NSW Parliament’s Joint Select Committee recommended that venues be incentivised “to engage in additional RSA programs such as the Three Cheers program” (Recommendation 30, p 51).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is SASH fully online?
A: Yes—complete anywhere, anytime 24/7 on desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. In-person training is also available by request. [Email Us for a quote.]
Q: How long do the courses take?
A: Each course is delivered in short, bite-sized sections that can be completed all at once or at your own pace.
- SASH – FULL COURSE: 17 sections (approx. 60–90 minutes total)
- SASH – BASICS: 10 sections (approx. 35–50 minutes total)
Q: How long does it take to implement 3Cheers in a venue and see results?
A: Implementation is quick—basically as long as it takes your team to complete the course. You can be up and running from day one, with results improving as you go.
Q: Are bulk discounts available?
A: Yes—email us for a personalised quote.
Q: Want a demo?
A: If you’d like a closer look before implementing 3Cheers, get in touch and we can arrange limited trial access.
Q: Other questions?
A: Email us to get in touch.
Pricing
SASH - Full Course
From $149 +GST per staff member
⚪ Attractive bulk rates available
SASH Basics
From $99 +GST per staff member
⚪ Attractive bulk rates available
Quick Setup, Quick Wins
Easy to implement, quick to drive results for your team, guests, and venue.