Bar Person

Typical Salary

£12,000 To £35,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Bar Person

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

You can take a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job, which will help you find work in the industry. Courses include:

Level 1 Award in Introduction to Employment in the Hospitality Industry
Level 1 Award in Professional Food and Beverage Service Skills
Level 2 Certificate in General Food and Beverage Service

2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You could do an intermediate apprenticeship as a hospitality team member.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply directly if you've got some of the relevant skills, experience and knowledge needed for this job.

Employers will look for strong communication skills, good customer service, and the ability to work well in a team.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

customer service skills
excellent verbal communication skills
active listening skills
the ability to sell products and services
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
to enjoy working with other people
a good memory
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks could include:

using a till to take orders and payments
handling cash
serving drinks and snacks
keeping the bar clean and well stocked

Working Environment

You could work in a pub or bar, at a restaurant, in a hotel or at a social club.

Your working environment may be noisy, crowded and hot.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could progress to supervisor, deputy bar manager and bar manager.

You could also become a publican or bar manager for a hotel chain.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in the drinks trade from:

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

be over 18 to sell alcohol and other restricted goods