Running a pub has always been a popular wish for many people. The reality of running a pub in these austerity times is a challenging and demanding career choice; it is not an easy option. This is a real life review of trading and the problems of running such a business. If you’re still interested after reading this, you may have what it takes to make it big in the bar trade. Although this article relates to the UK, the broad outlines of what it takes to run a successful business in trading will be relevant reading for anyone interested in this line of work.
Administrator or tenant?
The most common pub management roles are as a salaried manager or tenant. Manager salaries are in the range of £22,000 to £45,000 depending on experience and performance. An average salary would be £27,000. (Source: Total Jobs) An apprentice could expect between £15,000 and £18,000. Wetherspoon has a starting salary of £22,000 (Aug 2012) for solo managers – single manager facilities.
A tenant with full responsibility for running his own establishment and who takes risks will receive a salary commensurate with his business plan.
A typical work day
A business day begins when the car delivery arrives around 7:00 am. Once the barrels are taken to the cellar, preparations are made for the lunch hour trade and the cleaning of the premises. On a normal weekday the house will remain open until 11pm. Once the bar has closed, the day’s collection recorded by the boxes, which are computers with a cash withdrawal, is sent to the Central Office. The business day ends around 00:30 am after beer and bar orders have been placed, and emails and paperwork completed.
By 4:00 am, all stock and sales figures have been received at the head office of the entire estate. At 7:00am the next morning, the area and senior management will react to the performance to highlight areas of strength and weakness for your particular pub.
Manager Responsibilities
The manager is responsible for the professional operation of the pub which includes:
• Meets local licensing requirements
• Bar Staff Recruitment – PAYE, National Insurance Payment
• Restaurant management: appointment of the chef and staff management.
• Payment of rent to the pub property
• Completion of VAT forms
• Fire Insurance, Contents, Buildings for the pub
• Payment PRS – Performance Rights Society
• Management of ongoing repairs –
• Upkeep and general maintenance of the facilities
• Payment of Commercial Fees
• Garbage collection payment – Waste Collection
• Water bills
• Payment to the brewery for beers, ciders, ales and soft drinks
• Stock of rear bar items – optical liqueurs, wines, snacks
• Recruitment of Assistant Manager to cover Annual Vacations
• Compliance with the basic standards of Health, Safety and Hygiene
• Payment to Sky for the TV service
• Payment of Bank Charges
• Payment to the Accountant
• General financial management to avoid debt – this may involve careful stock control to ensure efficient turnover of beer kegs.
• Marketing initiatives that follow your location and customer base
• Maintain good relations with neighbors
• Manage the conduct and behavior of customers
Business and interpersonal skills
At any given time, you will need a head of business and a head of customer relations. The brewery will ask you to prepare a business plan for your pub that includes a financial forecast and a sales and marketing review. Training and guidance will be provided in this regard.
Training will also be given on how to handle clients. It’s not just about how to handle bad behavior, but also how to maintain good relationships with regular customers, to protect your market share and blend harmoniously with the local community.
A final word from Des Drink – the owner of ‘The Bell’ pub in East Molesey, built in 1460ad, before Henry VIII’s Royal Palace of Hampton Court was built.
“You have to think of running a pub as a calling. It will become the main thing in your life. As a manager, you are the one in charge, the one people will turn to, you are responsible. It is special. It gets into your blood.”