Publican
Publicans manage licensed premises like pubs and bars.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £20,000 - £50,000
Typical hours (a week): 47 - 49
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How to become a publican
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- a graduate management trainee scheme
Apprenticeship
You may be able to start by doing a hospitality manager higher apprenticeship. You could then apply to become a pub landlord once you've built up your experience in the drinks trade.
Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You could start as a bar person and work your way into this role by applying for promotion when you've got experience.
Direct application
There are no set requirements, but you'll find it useful to have experience in customer service at a supervisory level, and some experience of bar work. You'll usually need to do the Pre-Entry Awareness Training e-learning course. You'll also need to complete the British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders to apply for a Personal Licence. It's possible for anybody with enough financial backing to buy a pub or bar. As a manager of a pub or bar that sells food, you'll usually need a qualification in food safety accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
Other routes
Some large pub chains run graduate management trainee schemes.
You'll usually need relevant work experience and a degree in an area like:
- business
- marketing
- hotel and catering
- hospitality management with licensed retail
More info
Professional and industry bodies You may find it useful to join organisations like the British Institute of Innkeeping and British Beer & Pub Association, for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
What it takes
Skills & Knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- leadership skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- sensitivity and understanding
- business management skills
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restriction & Requirements
You'll need to:
- get a licence to sell alcohol
- be over 18 to sell alcohol and other restricted goods
- pass enhanced background checks
What you'll do
Day to day
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- organising deliveries
- making sure the bar is stocked and well maintained
- making sure customers are served quickly
- running the bar in line with health, safety and legal regulations
- recruiting, training and supervising bar staff and kitchen staff
- stocktaking
- handling wages, book-keeping and accounts
- building good relationships with breweries, suppliers and customers
- carrying out plans to maximise sales
Working environment
You could work in a pub or bar. Your working environment may be noisy and physically demanding.
Career path and progression
Career path & progression
If you're employed by a chain or brewery, you could progress to becoming a regional manager. You could become self-employed and expand your business by buying additional pubs or bars.
