Bars, clubs and pubs

In a nutshell

Licensed retailing is a service industry where emphasis is on exceeding customer expectations. The sector boasts over 900,000 jobs and excellent career prospects. As a manager, your responsibilities could include working behind the bar, public relations, dealing with accounts and purchasing stock, as well as hiring, firing and training staff. Gaining managerial experience in this field also opens up the possibility of owning your own bar, or chain of bars, in this country or abroad. The new smoking ban is set to change the character of licensed retail outlets when it comes into effect in 2007. Opinions are divided as to whether the ban will be good or bad news for business, but it will certainly be a time of change for the industry. And the legislation is definitely good news for staff in bars, clubs and pubs across the country: their health and safety was a key issue in the decision.

Working environment

Pubs, clubs and bars sell ‘a good time’ as much as they sell food and drink. You will have to be aware of customer needs and cater for them to make the establishment (whether it’s a trendy club, traditional pub or themed bar) a success in a competitive market. In any role you’ll be required to work evenings and weekends and you’ll meet a variety of people.

Getting in and getting on

Attracting new customers and then retaining their business is the main aim of licensed retailing. A friendly and sociable personality, along with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, are the most important prerequisites for working in bars, clubs and pubs. Being business-savvy will help you to stay ahead of the competition, while patience and diplomacy are vital when dealing with difficult or impatient customers. These qualities also help in management roles, when you’ll need to balance the needs of your staff with those of your customers.