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Bar Person/Manager

Do you want to become a Bar Person/Manager? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

A bar person serves customers with drinks and collects payment. They may also take orders for food and serve meals to customers. They keep the bar area clean and well stocked, wash glasses, store empty bottles, and clean and clear tables regularly.

They are also an enforcer of the licensing law, under which they have legal responsibilities. Having the right kind of personality is important as bar staff have to talk to all different kinds of customers and provide a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

Bar managers manage licensed premises. Their work may include:

• maintaining profitability and setting sales targets
• recruiting and training staff
• accounting and payroll duties
• stocktaking and placing orders with suppliers
• building and maintaining relationships with suppliers and customers.

The hours of work may be very long, and always involve evening and weekend work. Full-time employees usually work shifts, but many bar workers are part time. Bars could be located in pubs, clubs, restaurants, hotels and other leisure outlets.

Bar staff are usually paid an hourly rate, but salaries generally range from around £9,000 for a new bar person, to £25,000 or more for a manager.

A bar person/manager should:

• have good communication skills
• be friendly and outgoing
• be honest and trustworthy
• be tactful and diplomatic
• be able to work in a team.

There are around 64,000 on-licensed premises in the UK. Employers range from small to multinational companies involved in the hospitality and catering industry, and from small bars to national chains of breweries. The demand for bar staff is high, and licensed premises exist throughout the country.

Most employers look for people with outgoing, pleasant personalities and the right attitude rather than qualifications. The work is suitable for adults of all ages.

Most employers arrange on-the-job training. NVQs/SVQs in Catering and Hospitality (Food and Drink Service) are available at Levels 1 and 2. Employees can then progress to Levels 3 and 4, which cover supervisory and management skills.

Promotion may be to supervisor, deputy manager and bar manager. Some may buy a freehold pub or apply for a tenancy.

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