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Bar Manager

Bar managers are responsible for the running of a pub or tavern and ensure that customers receive good service.

Tasks & duties

Bar managers may do some or all of the following:

stocktake, order and price liquor and food
serve customers
recruit, train and supervise staff
organise the staff roster
carry out administrative duties such as ensuring staff wages are paid
handle cash and bank the daily takings
carry out accounting and budgeting tasks
set price levels, organise promotions and other entertainment
uphold liquor laws such as making sure there are no under-age drinkers on the premises
see that any intoxicated people are removed from the premises
discipline staff when necessary
ensure that health and safety requirements are upheld
carry out maintenance work

Skills & knowledge

Bar managers need to have:

knowledge of various types of liquor and liquor licensing laws
knowledge of local services such as taxis and dial-a-driver
business management skills, including knowledge of budgeting, accounting and marketing strategies
excellent people and customer service skills
organisational and planning skills

Entry requirements

You must hold a General Manager's Certificate and be at least 18 years old to work as a bar manager.

To apply for a General Manager's Certificate you must hold a Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ), which is administered by the Hospitality Standards Institute.

A driver's licence is also useful as pub/tavern managers may need to drive home intoxicated people as part of their host responsibility.

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary educational requirements to become a bar manager, although three years of secondary education is preferred. Useful subjects include English, maths and accounting.

Training on the job

Skills are learned on the job. A bar manager position is usually reached after a worker has gained experience in all aspects of the business.

Courses in bar management offered by various training providers, or work-based training offered by the Hospitality Standards Institute are useful for bar staff who want to train to be managers.