How to Be Pub Owner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 1, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The growth of craft beer has had a tremendous impact on the pub industry. As the demand for unique and flavorful beers has increased, more pubs have opened their doors to taprooms and microbreweries. This has led to an increase in competition among pubs, as they strive to offer patrons the best variety of craft beers and ciders.

Furthermore, the presence of microbreweries in pubs has resulted in a larger selection of beers available to customers, as well as a greater variety of flavors and styles. The influx of craft beer has also encouraged pubs to focus more on creating an inviting atmosphere, with live music, trivia nights and other events. The increased demand for craft beer at pubs has had a significant effect on the industry, creating a more vibrant and diverse pub culture.

Steps How to Become

Research Your State's Requirements. Before you can become a pub owner, you'll need to familiarize yourself with your state's licensing requirements. Each state has different regulations on alcohol sales, so it's important to understand the specifics of the laws in your area.
Choose a Location. Depending on the size and scope of your pub, you'll need to decide on a suitable location. You'll need to consider factors such as foot traffic, parking availability, and accessibility.
Secure Funding. You'll need to secure funding for the purchase of the pub and any necessary renovations or upgrades. Consider applying for loans or grants, or seek out investors.
Purchase the Pub. Once you have the necessary funding in place, you can purchase the pub. Make sure to get all the necessary documents and paperwork in order to complete this step.
Apply for Licensing. Before you can officially open your pub, you'll need to apply for licensing. This includes obtaining liquor licenses, food service licenses, and any other necessary permits.
Hire Employees. Once you have your licenses in order, you'll need to hire employees to staff the pub. Make sure to check references and conduct background checks to ensure you're hiring trustworthy and reliable staff members.
Promote Your Pub. Now that your pub is ready to go, you'll need to start promoting it. Develop a marketing plan and consider using social media, print ads, and word of mouth to spread the word about your new business.

The rise of craft beer and specialty breweries has caused an increased demand for skilled and qualified pub owners. To be successful, pub owners must possess a range of skills, from financial management to marketing and customer service. They must also stay up to date on industry trends and be able to identify and capitalize on potential opportunities.

To meet these demands, many aspiring pub owners are participating in specialized training programs to gain the necessary knowledge and experience. These programs include courses on budgeting, inventory management, beer selection, and other key operational topics. With the right training, pub owners can be well-equipped to launch and manage a successful business.

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Job Description

Bar Manager: Responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a bar, including managing staff, handling customer inquiries, and ensuring compliance with local liquor laws and regulations.
Bartender: Responsible for preparing and serving alcoholic beverages in a bar or restaurant.
Bar Back: Responsible for stocking and restocking the bar with alcohol, mixers, and garnishes, as well as assisting the bartender in serving customers.
Security Guard: Responsible for maintaining order and security inside the bar by monitoring guests for disruptive behavior and enforcing rules.
Cleaning Staff: Responsible for cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of the bar area, including wiping down surfaces, emptying trash cans, and sweeping floors.
Kitchen Staff: Responsible for preparing food items to be served at the bar, such as burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers.
Wait Staff: Responsible for taking orders from customers, delivering food and drinks to customers, and accepting payments.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Business acumen: The ability to understand and manage the financial, legal, and operational aspects of owning and running a bar or pub.
Leadership: The ability to lead and manage employees and provide direction to ensure the success of the business.
Organizational skills: The ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks and activities to maximize efficiency and productivity.
Customer service: The ability to provide excellent customer service and create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Interpersonal skills: The ability to build relationships with customers, vendors, and other stakeholders in the business.
Communication: The ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
Problem-solving: The ability to analyze problems and develop creative solutions.
Attention to detail: The ability to pay close attention to detail and ensure accuracy in all tasks.
Time management: The ability to effectively manage time and tasks so that all deadlines are met.
Alcohol management: The ability to manage the sale of alcoholic beverages in accordance with local laws and regulations.

The ability to effectively communicate is one of the most important skills to have as a pub owner. Good communication skills can help build relationships with customers, staff, and suppliers. This will lead to a more successful business as customers are likely to return when they feel like they have a connection to the pub.

Furthermore, having strong communication skills can help a pub owner effectively delegate tasks to staff and negotiate better deals with suppliers. This can lead to more efficient operations and better business outcomes. having good communication skills can help a pub owner develop marketing strategies that will help attract more customers and increase profits.

Thus, having strong communication skills is essential for any pub owner who wants to be successful in the industry.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the hospitality industry?
What do you think sets your pub apart from other pubs in the area?
How do you ensure a safe, welcoming environment for your customers?
What strategies do you employ to maximize efficiency and profitability?
How do you handle customer complaints?
What systems do you have in place for maintaining accurate inventory and ordering supplies?
How do you ensure that staff adhere to health and safety regulations?
How would you handle a difficult customer who wanted to be served alcohol despite being obviously intoxicated?
What marketing strategies have you used to increase pub patronage?
How do you stay abreast of new trends in the hospitality industry?

Common Tools in Industry

Point of Sale System. A computerized system used to track sales, inventory and customer information. (Eg: Square Point of Sale)
Accounting Software. Software used to manage financial records and accounts. (Eg: QuickBooks)
Inventory Management System. A system used to track, manage and organize inventory. (Eg: SAP Business One)
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. Software used to manage customer relationships and sales leads. (Eg: Salesforce)
Bookkeeping Software. Software used to record financial transactions, track expenses and generate reports. (Eg: Xero)
Business Intelligence Software. Software used to analyze data and generate reports. (Eg: Tableau)
Payment Processing Software. Software used to process payments and manage customer billing. (Eg: Stripe)
Scheduling Software. Software used to schedule tasks and appointments. (Eg: Acuity Scheduling)
Cash Register System. A computerized system used to track sales, inventory and customer information. (Eg: Square Register)
POS System. A point of sale system used to process sales and track inventory. (Eg: Square POS)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
National Association of Home Brewers
National Beer Wholesalers Association
Brewers Association
Society of Independent Brewers
British Institute of Innkeeping
American Craft Spirits Association
National Association of Cider Makers
National Association of Tobacco Outlets
Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers

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Common Important Terms

Beer Garden. An outdoor area of a pub or restaurant where customers can enjoy alcoholic drinks, typically in the presence of tables and chairs or benches.
Brewpub. A business that brews and sells its own beer on-site.
Taproom. A room in a pub or brewery that specializes in serving beer from taps.
Barback. An employee who assists bartenders by stocking ice and liquor, cleaning glasses and bottles, and helping with other tasks.
Beer Keg. A barrel-shaped vessel used for storing and transporting beer.
Draught Beer. Beer that is served directly from a keg or cask, rather than from bottles or cans.
Cicerone. A professional beer expert who is certified to assess and serve beer.
Brewery. A business that produces beer on a large scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the responsibilities of a Pub Owner? A. A Pub Owner is responsible for overseeing all aspects of their pub's operations, including managing staff, maintaining financial records, purchasing supplies and equipment, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Q. How much does it cost to open a pub? A. The cost of opening a pub can vary depending on location, size, and amenities. Generally, it is recommended to budget at least $50,000 for start-up costs such as permits, licenses, equipment, and renovations. Q. What qualifications are needed to become a Pub Owner? A. Qualifications for becoming a Pub Owner include business experience, knowledge of hospitality management, customer service skills, and a valid liquor license. Q. How much profit can a Pub Owner make? A. The amount of profit a Pub Owner can make depends on a variety of factors including location, customer base, and pricing strategy. Generally, pubs can make between 5% and 15% net profit on sales. Q. What challenges might a Pub Owner face? A. Some of the main challenges Pub Owners face include managing staff and inventory, staying up to date with industry regulations, reducing overhead costs, and dealing with customer complaints.

Web Resources

About The Pub | The Pub - University of Alaska Fairbanks uaf.edu
PUB Board Pence Union Building - InsideEWU inside.ewu.edu
Public Health (PUB) - 2020-21 University at Buffalo Undergraduate Degr catalog.buffalo.edu