Bar Owner: What’s the Job?

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A bar owner manages day-to-day operations, obtains licenses, and is responsible for advertising and promotion. They hire competent staff and must have knowledge of inventory control and accounting. Past business experience and people management skills are helpful.

A bar owner makes the decisions that affect the day-to-day and long-term operations of his food and beverage establishment. This may include managing alcohol and food inventory, balancing ledger books, and maintaining proper license. He is also often the bar manager, especially at a small, unremarkable place known as a neighborhood bar. He usually has the final say in decisions concerning personnel, advertising, promotion, and customer relations.

Owning a bar is typically quite different from owning a restaurant or retail store. Typically, a bar owner is required to obtain several licenses before opening its doors. Some of these licenses normally require regular renewal and are generally subject to revocation by local or regional authorities.

These licenses generally dictate what types of drinks can be sold at the bar. Some bars are allowed to sell wine and beer only, and others are allowed to sell hard liquor. If food is to be served to bar patrons, that service usually requires a separate license. In all cases, a local agency that ensures health and safety standards are maintained will generally inspect facilities on a regular basis to verify compliance.

In addition to having their licenses and location in order, a bar owner is usually responsible for advertising and promotion. Your marketing strategies may include placing advertisements in telephone directories and local newspapers or advertising on Internet sites. The owner can also collaborate with other local businesses to promote their bar. Participating in local charity events and promoting special deals for holidays and happy hours are normally at the bar owner’s discretion.

Hiring a bar staff with personality and competence is often important to a bar’s success. Generally, the bar owner carefully screens his prospective hires to ensure they are competent, friendly mixologists with solid backgrounds and reputations for honesty and reliability. If a manager is on the team, he or she can participate in the screening and hiring process.

Traditionally, a bar owner is expected to know how to make a cocktail, properly pour the beer, and tap a cool keg. Knowledge of inventory control and accounting are generally considered assets for the job. It usually takes experience attracting customers and building friendly relationships that establish a loyal clientele for a bar owner to run a successful tavern.

There are no educational requirements to be a bar owner. Past experience running a business is usually considered an advantage. People management and public relations skills are often helpful in achieving success in this position.




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