The idea of running a pub has always been a favored choice for a lot of people. The reality of managing a pub in the current economic climate is a demanding and challenging career path – it’s not a simple choice. This is a true-life overview of the profession and the challenges of managing a business of this nature. If you’re still interested after reading this article, you might be able to succeed as an entrepreneur in the bar trade. Although this article does refer specifically to the United Kingdom, the broad details of what’s required to run a profitable business in the industry can be useful for anyone who is looking to get involved in this area of work.
Manager or Tenant?
The most popular managerial roles in the pub are either salaried managers or an employee. Managers’ salaries fall in the PS22,000-PS45,000 range according to their experience and their performance. A typical salary is PS27,000. (Source The Total Job) A student could earn between the range of PS15,000 to PS18,000. Wetherspoon offers a starting salary of 22,000 PS (August 2012) for managers who are solely responsible – one manager’s premises.
A tenant who is responsible for the management of their own establishment and who accepts the risk will receive the appropriate amount of money to support their business strategy.
A Typical Working Day
A day of work begins when the dray deliveries arrive at around 7.00 am. After bringing the kegs into the cellar, the preparations are made for lunchtime trade and then cleaning the area. On a typical weekday, the pub will remain open until 11.00 pm. When the bar closes, the proceeds of the day are recorded through the tills, which include computers that have cash draw capabilities that are sent to the Head Office. The day’s working hours end between 00.30 am after back, beer orders for the bar have been placed, as well as paperwork and emails are completed.
At 4.00 am, all of the inventory and sales figures were delivered to Head Office from the entire estate. At 7.00 am the following morning, the senior management and the area would be reacting to this performance and highlighting the strengths and weaknesses in your specific pub.
Manager Responsibilities
The manager is accountable for the efficient operation of the bar, which may include:
* Complying with local licensing requirements
* Bar Staff Recruitment – PAYE, National Insurance Payment
• Restaurant Management – Chef appointment as well as staff management
* Rent payment to the pub estate
* Complete VAT forms
* Fire, Contents, Buildings Insurance for the pub
* PRS payment Performing Rights Society
* Management of running repairs
* General maintenance and upkeep of the property
* Payment of Business Rates
* Fee for rubbish disposal Waste Collection
* Water Bills
* Payment to the brewery for ciders, lagers, soft drinks, and ales
* Back bar inventory items: Optic spirits, wine, and snacks
* the recruitment of a Deputy Manager to fill in during the annual holidays.
* Complying with the basic Health & Safety and Hygiene standards
• Payment made to Sky for the TV service
* Payment of Bank Charges
* Payment to Accountant
• General management of finances in order to avoid the risk of incurring debt. This could involve an attentive control of inventory to ensure a smooth rotation of ale Kegs
* Marketing strategies that are appropriate to your area and your customers
Keep good relations with neighbors.
• Managing the conduct and behavior of customers
Business and Interpersonal Skills
At any given moment, you’ll require an executive head and also a head of customer relations. The brewery will require to create an enterprise plan for your establishment that will include a financial forecast as well as an annual review of sales and marketing. Training and direction will be provided in this.
The training will also include instructions on how to manage customers. This isn’t just about how to deal with misbehavior as well as how to maintain good relationships with your regular customers and ensure that you are able to take your market share and be in harmony with those in the community.
A final word to Des Drink – The Pub Landlord of the ‘The Bell located within East Molesey – built in 1460ad before the reign of Henry VIII’s Royal Hampton Court Palace was constructed.
“You need to think of running a pub as a vocation. It will become the main thing in your life. As a manager, you are the one in charge, and the one people will turn to; you are responsible. It’s special. It gets into your blood.”