Running a pub is a career path which appeals to many people from every walk of life. Prospective landlords are attracted by thoughts of the freedom of being their own boss and taking control of their own future.
However, running a pub can be challenging and very hard work, so it is vital to give careful consideration to whether you would be truly suited to this role in the current climate. According to the Guardian, 31 pubs are closing each week, largely because they are being undercut by the low alcohol prices offered by the major supermarkets. But if you are committed and prepared to put in long hours, becoming a landlord can be incredibly rewarding.
What’s Involved in Being a Pub Landlord?
If you run your own pub, you will be solely responsible for everything involved in its smooth running, so it is important to consider the various tasks you would need to undertake on a day-to-day basis. The most important of these is that you must ensure you comply with the Licensing Act of 2003 – otherwise your business will be at risk of closure. You must hold both a premises licence and a personal licence and will be responsible for adhering to the legal requirements of the Licensing Act. These include the prevention of crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. You can find further guidance on the Licensing Act on the government’s own website.
Another top priority is to recruit and train a reliable team of staff. Some aspects of staff training are compulsory, such as those required under the Licensing Act. However, you may wish to further their training in things such as customer service in order to create the best possible ambience in your premises.
General maintenance and cleaning are a vital daily tasks. Your equipment is one of your main assets and will need to be kept in tip-top condition. It is also very important to make sure your establishment is kept clean in order to retain your customers. Many landlords choose to hire professional cleaners to cover this side of things.
Serving Food
Making the decision to serve food in your pub can mean a substantial rise in profits. This will require careful planning, as you will need a team of kitchen staff as well as an experienced chef. It is also worth taking some time to consider what drinks you will serve; you will need to consider your target market and which drinks are likely to be most popular with them. If you are to make a success of this side of your business, it is crucial to have reliable suppliers, including a draught soft drinks supplier such as Empire Drinks & Refrigeration, whose website you will find at empireuk.com.
All in all, if you are ready to invest your time and do some hard work, then becoming a pub landlord can be a hugely fulfilling career to embark on.
