Publican

Typical Salary

£20,000 To £50,000

Typical Hours

47 to 49 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

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

College / University

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start by doing a hospitality manager higher apprenticeship.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start as a bar person and work your way into this role by applying for promotion when you've got experience.

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

Skills And 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

Day To Day Tasks

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 & 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.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

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.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a publican from British Beer & Pub Association and the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.

Restrictions & 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