What qualifications do I need to manage a pub?

 

Question

I am 25 years old and have recently completed my NVQ level two catering qualifications, having previously been an assistant bar manager and assistant restaurant manager. I have just started the level three course on a part-time basis.

 

I work full-time in the kitchen of a four-star hotel as a chef de partie, but when I finish my course I would like to run a venue with my partner, who is an assistant bar manager at a four-star hotel. We both hold licensee certificates, but what other qualifications would be useful? I have heard of people leasing pubs from breweries, but should we get experience as a management couple first?

 

What the expert says

 

Julian Bradwell, human resources director, Greene King Pub Company

 

Once you have passed your NVQ level three you are likely to have already gained the essential qualifications needed to go into pub management. These are:

• • Basic Food Hygiene
  • Basic Health and Safety
  • National Certificate for Licensees
  • First Aid
  • Fire Safety
  • National Certificate for Licensees - Drug Awareness

 

The following qualifications are not essential, but could be beneficial:

• Advanced British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) Certificate in Retail Financial Management
• Advanced BII Certificate in Retail Business Development

 

It is prudent to go for the management route before leasing. Having a few years' experience as a manager would also help if you need to borrow money later to become a tenant.