A bar owner makes decisions that affect his eating and drinking establishment’s day-to-day and long-term operations. This could include maintaining proper licensing, managing alcohol and food inventory, and balancing accounting books. He is frequently the bar manager, particularly at a small, local establishment known as a neighborhood bar. He usually has the final say on matters such as staffing, advertising, promotion, and customer relations.
In most cases, owning a bar differs from owning a restaurant or a retail store. Before opening his doors, a bar owner is usually required to obtain a number of licenses. A number of these licenses are required to be renewed on a regular basis and are frequently revoked local or regional authorities.
The types of liquor that can be sold at the bar are usually dictated these licenses. Some bars are only allowed to sell wine and beer, while others are allowed to sell hard liquor. If food is to be served to bar patrons, a separate license is usually required. In all cases, a local agency responsible for maintaining health and safety standards inspects the premises on a regular basis to ensure compliance.
A bar owner is usually in charge of advertising and promotion, in addition to having his licenses and location in order. Advertisements in local phone directories and newspapers, as well as advertisements on Internet websites, may be among his marketing strategies. To promote his bar, the owner may work with other local businesses. Participation in local charity events and the promotion of special holiday and happy hour deals are usually up to the bar owner’s discretion.
A bar’s success is usually determined its ability to staff it with friendly and knowledgeable employees. The bar owner generally conducts extensive background checks on potential hires to ensure that they are knowledgeable and friendly mixologists with proven track records and a reputation for honesty and dependability. If there is a manager on staff, he or she may be involved in the hiring and screening process.
A bartender is expected to know how to make cocktails, pour beer properly, and tap a fresh keg. Inventory control and bookkeeping skills are generally regarded as assets for the job. To run a successful tavern, a bar owner must have experience attracting customers and building friendly relationships that establish a loyal clientele.
Being a bar owner does not require any formal education. Previous experience running a business is usually regarded as a plus. Personnel management and public relations expertise are both advantageous in this position.