Running a pub...

[themimi]

Have a pipe dream to run a pub with DH. Somewhere you live in. Mad idea? I work in a very high pressured profession as does DH. We work really long hours and not afraid of hard work. Would love to pour that into something like running a pub. I know it would be really tough but I love the idea of making a pub work. I have skills in business, management, finance but also work in an environment where relationships and customer service v important.
So feel that we have transferable skills. Any advice?

My ex used to run a pub. My advice is don’t. Well, depending on the type of tenancy. Ex was a ‘tenant landlord’ he had to pay rent (eye-watering) to the brewery as well as the rest of the usual bills that homes/businesses have. He was also under something called the ‘beer tie’ where he HAD to buy his booze from a certain supplier (Scottish & Newcastle was his last one IIRC).

It’s much more expensive than a wholesaler but they fit technology to your pumps called ‘brew lines’ that detect every pull of every pump, so you can’t ‘buy out’ and claim you didn’t need, say Fosters from them as they can look how much you’ve sold at the click of a mouse. They aren’t bothered about spirits and bottled drinks though.

Also, most of the actual buildings are no longer owned by breweries but by large, commercial property agents. Rent is set by them. Repairs are your responsibility.

Ex said it was great when he first started out (early/mid ‘90s) as the brewery didn’t charge extortionate rents and all damages/repairs were covered. Before he left his last pub, he couldn’t even get beer mats.

There have been murmurs for years that the ‘beer tie’ would be discussed in parliament, as it’s anti-competitive but it’s never happened for whatever reason.

friends of my parents bought the village pub, thinking they would have a lovely time serving beer to their mates & being social. It was v v hard to find staff, they would pay someone to be in all evening on a Tuesday and only sell 2 pints so they lose money on the day. Or find the staff didn't show on Friday and Mrs Pub (older lady) would tire herself out being behind the bar all night long and washing up to 1am.

they sold it at a loss after 1.5 years to get their life back.

Pub life is incredibly hard and with some many closing I don't know why you would think it was a good idea.
The toll it takes on marriages and relationships too.....

I have a friend that runs a pub - people who aspire to run one think it’s easy… but it can be challenging and you’ve got to have it in the right area for it to succeed. Before buying any business or establishment though, I would be asking the vendors as to why they are selling up (real reason) and ask for a copy of their accounts. If they have registered as a limited company, these will be available from companies house, but it is important you do your research before committing- making the wrong choice could see you go bankrupt… but the right choice could see you rake in the cash!!
You would need a premises licence (this should be in place but you need to check if operating currently) - you will also need a personal licence. All obtainable from the local council.
Have you got much savings to get you going - there will be a number of start up costs. You may find that it will take you a while to make a profit but stick with it though and you will get the most out of it.

Please watch the Tom Kerridge BBC show about running pubs before thinking about this (Saving Britain’s Pubs). I know a few people who run/ran pubs and it’s difficult at the best of times, and a nightmare for them at the moment.