Valuable_Information_Guide

FINDMYPUB.COM
The Right Place to Find
the Right Pub for You
Valuable Information Guide
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START
YOUR CAREER IN THE PUB INDUSTRY

FOR MORE INFORMATION
ABOUT WORKING WITH
PUB COMPANY OF
THE YEAR, CALL
01244 321 171
w w w . a d m i r a l t a v e r n s . c o . u k
I DON’T DO HEIGHTS, BUT IF I WERE BRAVE
ENOUGH, I’D BORROW A MUCH BIGGER
LADDER THAN THIS, CLIMB ON TOP OF
THE PUB AND SHOUT ADMIRAL’S NAME
FROM THE ROOFTOPS!
Ross Higham. Fenton Flyer, North Yorkshire.
WINNER

3
Thank you for registering with us at FindMyPub.com, you have made your first
step towards finding the right pub for you.
We are a family run business that started in 2009 from an office in my
garage and I know exactly how daunting taking the decision to run your
own business is. Regardless of your experience, our role here is to make
your journey to running your own pub as seamless as possible.
The team here can offer you impartial advice and support throughout
your search for a pub. We can advise on any queries or questions you may
have from the qualifications required, industry regulations all the way
through to the best type of agreements for your budget and skill set.
I really hope you find this brochure useful whether you are already operating in the trade or if
you are new into the industry. If you have any suggestions of other content that you think should
or could appear in this brochure, then please send me a message via our bosses’ ear page
www.findmypub.com/bosses-ear/
As ever with FindMyPub.com if you have anything more you want to know then call us on
01902 374940, we are here to support you.
We look forward to finding the right pub for you.
Kind regards
Helen Lees
Managing Director, FindMyPub.com
WELCOME TO
FINDMYPUB.COM

4
Running your own pub
business has the potential
to be great fun, rewarding,
enthralling and a whole new
way of life for you. It can also
be hard work, demanding,
stressful and arduous. To
be a successful licensee
you’ll need to have a strong
personality, a great work
ethic and enjoy the lifestyle.
It isn’t a 9 to 5 career that’s
for certain! If you’ve never
done it before, do your
homework, find out about the
lifestyle first. If you’ve been
in the trade before, you’ll
understand that it can be a
fantastic way of life!
Findmypub.com feature some fabulous
business opportunities with the UK’s
leading Pub Companies and brewers
who are looking for successful and
talented business partners to run their
own pub business.
Making the decision to join the pub
trade can be daunting so you need
to be clear on what your personal
ambitions are. We will assist you from
your very first enquiry, to securing your
first pub. As we work across all the
main Pub Companies and brewers, we
offer impartial advice, without pressure,
so that you take the time and care to
choose the pub opportunity that suits
you best.
All Pub Companies agree that the
key to success is finding the right
person, for the right pub, on the right
agreement. It is important that you
review your skills and capabilities and
ensure that you don’t take on a pub
or agreement that you aren’t suited to,
as lovely as the pub itself may be! Be
honest with yourself, because it is you
who is going to have to deliver the offer
to the consumers over the bar or from
the kitchen.
We would also recommend that you
take your time and review your options
– don’t rush in but be considered, calm,
questioning and focussed – in the long
run, it is far better for you and the Pub
Company that you take all matters into
consideration and get the right pub, not
the first pub.
VALUABLE
INFORMATION
KEY QUESTIONS
• DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT
PERSONALITY TO RUN A
PUB?
• HOW MUCH CAPITAL DO
YOU HAVE TO INVEST?
• DO YOU NEED TO BE IN A
SPECIFIC LOCATION?
• WHAT STYLE OF PUB DO
YOU WANT TO RUN?
• WHAT LEVEL OF
EARNINGS DO YOU
NEED/EXPECT TO
ACHIEVE?
• HOW MUCH LIVING
ACCOMMODATION DO
YOU NEED?

Decorated
Find out more about the Partnership Tenancy
Plus agreement at
www.enterpriseinns.com
Terms and Conditions apply.
We’ll help to get your pub
looking the part so you can
focus on doing what you love
- running a great pub.

8
The two most relevant
licenses for you to be aware
of are the Personal Licence
and the Premises Licence.
UK Licensing Law states that anyone
authorising the sale of alcohol to the
public must hold a personal licence and
in order to qualify for a personal licence
an applicant must hold a relevant
licensing qualification. This qualification
is the Level 2 Award for Personal
Licence Holders (APLH) and this will
cover all the relevant information you
require in order to progress towards
your Personal Licence.
Personal Licences allow you to
authorise the sale of alcohol on behalf
of any business that has a Premises
Licence. It does not necessarily follow
that you will also be the Premises
Licence holder and we would
recommend that you discuss with
your Pub Company or Brewer, who
holds the Premises Licence for the pub
you are interested in. It is important
to remember that this is different to
your Personal Licence as it permits
alcohol to be sold from those premises,
authorised by the Personal Licence
holder. Some companies will hold the
Premises Licence in their own name,
some in yours. In both cases, there are
likely to be licensing charges applied
to your rent account. Check with your
Business Development Manager.
For your Personal Licence you will need
to complete the APLH qualification.
This is a one day course with a multiple
choice exam of 40 questions to be
completed in 40 minutes. At least 28
of the 40 questions must be answered
correctly.
Findmypub.com is pleased to work
alongside the Alliance of Quality
Licensing Trainers, the UK’s five largest
suppliers of training leading to BIIAB
(British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding
Body) qualifications. These training
companies have formed an Alliance
with the purpose of setting the highest
standards in the delivery of licensing
training. With national coverage there
will be a training centre near you to
assist in taking this crucial first step
towards achieving your goal.
Once you have completed the APLH
course successfully and obtained your
certificate, you must then formally apply
for your Personal Licence (you cannot
apply prior to completing the Licensing
Qualification).
Application for your Personal Licence
is usually made through your Local
Authority and you can download the
appropriate forms either from their
website or from the Home Office
website. As part of this application
process you will also need to complete
a criminal disclosure form with
Disclosure Scotland, who cover
the whole of the UK. You will need
to complete a Basic Disclosure and
they can be contacted on 0870 609
6006. We would recommend that you
commence this process as soon as you
have decided that the pub trade is for
you, as disclosure completion can take
several weeks to be concluded.”
Once you receive your Personal
Licence, you can act as the Designated
Premises Supervisor (DPS) for any
business that sells or supplies alcohol.
You will then be the person responsible
for authorising staff to sell alcohol to the
public. Don’t underestimate the level of
responsibility for this authorisation.
Book your Personal
Licence course direct
through our website at
www.findmypub.com/
training-licensing
PERSONAL LICENCE
& LICENSING

9
All businesses selling alcohol, must
have a DPS and whomever holds this
role must be named in the Operating
Schedule of the Premises Licence.
Usually a Pub Company will complete
this process on your behalf via their
own solicitors, but there is usually a
charge for this.
The DPS will be the primary contact
for Local Government officials and the
Police. They should have a thorough
understanding of licensing law and of
the business itself. Whilst the DPS does
not need to be on site all the time, they
are expected to have a significant role
in the business and to be contactable
at all times.
There can be only one DPS for each
premises and they must have a
Personal Licence.
PREMISES LICENCE
The Premises Licence permits alcohol
to be sold from a building or premises.
Often this is held in the name of the
premises owner, but not in all cases.
A Premises Licence can authorise the
following activities;
• The sale or supply of alcohol
• The provision of public entertainment
• The provision of late night hot food
and drink
Whilst you are unlikely to need to get
involved with the Premises Licence
application, you must understand the
parameters under which the premises
are licensed. There may be onerous
conditions required for the Premises
Licence such as the installation of
multi-camera CCTV systems, or the
use of qualified door security staff
at weekends. These conditions may
reduce the scope of your plans for the
business and we would recommend
that you discuss with your Business
Development Manager any conditions
contained within the Operating
Schedule of the Premises Licence.
OTHER LICENCES/
CONDITIONS TO BE AWARE
OF
ALCOHOL LICENSING CONDITIONS
If your premises sells or supplies
alcohol, you must now hold an age
verification policy and ensure you
offer smaller serving measures to your
customers.
In 2012 the Government announced
enhanced conditions of the Licensing
Act 2003 (mandatory licensing
conditions) order 2010. They apply to
all licensed premises in England and
Wales. They were:
• a ban on irresponsible promotions
• a ban on dispensing alcohol directly
into customers’ mouths
• mandatory provision of free tap water
• age verification policy
• smaller measures
SMALLER MEASURES
If you’re responsible for serving
alcohol, you now must make sure that
the following drinks (if sold in your
premises), are available in the following
measures:
• beer or cider – half pint
• gin, rum, vodka or whisky – 25ml or
35ml
• still wine in a glass – 125ml
You must also make sure your
customers are aware of the availability
of these measures. This is done by
using signage within the premises
stating that these measures are
available.
AGE VERIFICATION POLICY
If your pub sells or supplies alcohol,
you must hold an age verification policy.
As a minimum, the premises must
have a policy that requires people who
appear to be under the age of 18 to be
asked, before being served alcohol, to
produce identification showing their:
• photograph
• date of birth
• a holographic mark
Examples of acceptable ID include:
• photo card driving licences
• passports or proof of age cards
bearing the PASS hologram
• other forms of ID which meet the
criteria laid out above are also
acceptable
Staff who work in these venues must
be made aware of the existence and
content of the age verification policy.

10
Recognising that effective
training is crucial towards
running a successful pub
business is the first thing
that must be understood.
Most Pub Companies offer
their own in-house induction
courses which you will be
asked to attend. However,
there are other requirements
which will help you get ahead
of the game and not miss out
on the opportunity for your
desired pub.
In order to ensure that you are given
the best possible start in your new
pub, nearly all Pub Companies and
Brewers have a range of training
services for you to make use of. Some
of these are centred around a week
long skills development course, ideally
attended prior to taking over your pub
business but others are dealt with on an
individual basis. For these companies
they tend to offer their training on a
needs basis on single days, spread out
over a period of time.
Whichever route your chosen Pub
Company offer their training, we
would strongly recommend that you
constantly strive to develop yourself as
much as you can. Successful licensees
are often those who have embraced
learning and self-development as being
as important as the offer in their pubs.
Further to your development, many
companies will also offer training for
your staff as well. Staff can make or
break any business and the better
skilled your staff are, the more likely you
are to retain their services and enjoy
the benefits of success through their
service.
TRAINING
10
Platts Bonson Licensed Trade Valuers are the industry-leading Specialist
Licensed Trade Fixtures and Fittings Inventory Valuers to operate across the UK
with the largest team of Expert Valuers covering England, Wales and Scotland
from offices in the Central Midlands.
Providing Specialist Inventory Valuation services to the leading breweries and pub companies and
also to individual operators on a nationwide basis.
Acutely aware of the need to provide an unbeatable service on every instruction, we offer the highest
levels of personal service, professionalism and integrity coupled with a competitive fee structure.
Professional members of:
Tel: 01332 292233 www.plattsbonson.co.uk

11
PRE-ENTRY AWARENESS
TRAINING (PEAT)
PEAT is a BII online training awareness
programme, which can be completed
in your own time at a relatively low
cost. Log on to www.BII.org to access
the training programme. Under their
own Codes of Practice, most, if not all,
Pub Companies and Brewers insist on
completion of this pre-entry training.
Some may waiver this need dependent
upon individual circumstances and
experience, discuss this with your
Business Development Manager or the
recruitment department of the relevant
company. PEAT has been developed
to ensure that you fully understand the
workings of the pub tenancy or lease
which you are considering signing.
Ongoing personal development of
yourself and your team is a proven
method of creating a stable platform
to enable your business to grow and
become ever more successful. Speak
to your Business Development Manager
about the various training courses that
will be available to you and take our
advice; you can never know too much
about hospitality and service, so look
to expand your knowledge at every
available opportunity.
BIIAB QUALIFICATIONS AND
AWARDS
BIIAB is the industry’s choice for
qualifications because all of its
qualifications are developed with
industry, for industry.
BIIAB qualifications support you at
every stage of your career right from
the start with the market leading BIIAB
Award for Personal Licence Holders
(APLH).
Wherever you are in the UK, BIIAB
qualifications are available nearby.
BIIAB qualifications are delivered
through a network of over 600
approved training centres, across 6,000
locations in the UK.
BIIAB offer a vast range of courses to
help with your ongoing development
including Beer & Cellar Quality and
Customer Service Excellence.
Visit www.BII.org for more information.
THE ALLIANCE OF QUALITY
LICENSING TRAINERS
(AQLT)
The Alliance of Quality Licensing
Trainers (AQLT), comprises the United
Kingdom’s five largest suppliers of
training leading to BIIAB qualifications,
with the purpose of setting the highest
possible standards in the delivery of
public licensing training.
The collective knowledge and
experience of the five companies along
with the strict membership criteria they
have set for themselves provides, for
the first time, a standard that will raise
performance in the vital training delivery
across the licensed industry.
It has long been recognised that
“training” plays a major role both in
improving commercial viability at outlet
(pub) level and to “The Responsible
Retailing of Alcohol” in general, the
Alliance has a total commitment to
these aims and those of BIIAB.
In many areas of education and training,
standards can vary considerably. With
licensing qualifications, the Alliance
in association with the BIIAB provides
the optimum level of expertise,
commitment and connections, where
the emphasis is on quality, rather than
simply satisfying minimal compliance
requirements.
Visit www.bii-aqlt.com for more
information.
PERSONAL LICENCE BOOK
YOUR COURSE NOW
UK licensing law states that anyone authorising the sale
of alcohol to the public must hold a Personal licence.
Findmypub.com is pleased to work alongside the
Alliance of Quality licensing Trainers, the UK’s five
largest suppliers of training leading to BIIAB (British
Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body) qualifications.
Visit www.findmypub.com/training-licensing or call
01902 374940 or 01902 374421 to book an APlH
training course in a location near you.

Amembershipthat
deliversvalue
Amembershipthat
deliversvalue
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13
There are a number of ways
to enter the trade and you
should be aware that there
are many benefits as well
as consequences to each of
these avenues.
Pub Companies are most interested
in getting the right profile of person
into the right pub. Generally, they will
look to get you to sign a long term
agreement (between 3-20 years) as
this will give them confidence that you
are serious about your plans. As a rule,
any pub which is to benefit from an
investment in the fabric of the building
by the landlord, will require a long term
agreement to be signed rather than a
temporary agreement.
Some companies are open to the idea
of signing a short term, temporary
agreement with you but you must be
aware that these are usually easy to
terminate, from both sides and as
much as it gives you a chance to look
at the business, it also gives the Pub
Company a chance to look at you.
There is no security for you with an
agreement like this and it should only
be used as a stepping stone to signing
a longer agreement.
Not all companies offer exactly the
same agreements but most will offer the
following types:
• Short term, temporary agreement
(less than 1 year)
• Tenancy Agreement (3-6 years)
• Lease Agreement (5-20 years)
• Franchise Agreement (or similar
hybrid agreement with greater
support than traditional tenancy)
It is important that you understand
which agreement is being offered
to you and what the clauses within
the agreement means for you. The
following pages will be a rough guide
to agreement types but because of
the differences between companies,
it cannot be a definitive guide and
you should take independent legal
advice to read and understand any
agreement you are planning to sign.
Whichever agreement you sign, there
are certain ways of working which will
be relevant for you to understand.
• Tie Status and Purchase Obligations
• Fruit Machines
• Business Assistance from Landlord
TEMPORARY AGREEMENTS
(USUALLY LESS THAN 1
YEAR)
These will include Tenancy at Will,
Temporary Tenancy, Temporary
Management agreements among others.
Renting a Pub on a Temporary
Agreement can be a good way to test
the water if you have no experience but
be mindful that the agreements give
no security and therefore we would
strongly advise not selling your house or
spending any money on your Pub until
you have signed a long term agreement.
SECURITY DEPOSIT OR BOND
You will pay to the Pub Company/
Brewery a security deposit which
is negotiable (usually no more than
£3,000) and which will be held against
any arrears on your account upon either
side terminating the agreement. The
deposit has to be returned within 28
days of leaving subject to your account
being cleared. Pub Companies operate
Temporary Agreements in slightly
different ways and you should establish
all terms before committing yourself.
FIXTURES & FITTINGS
You may be asked to purchase the
fixtures & fittings of the property to
include bar tables, stools, light fittings
etc and this should be on valuation
only. Many Pub Companies will retain
ownership of F&F under a Temporary
Agreements.
MAINTENANCE LIABILITY
You may be responsible for
maintenance items at the property
but generally you are not responsible
for heating boilers, electrical or wiring
faults, structural, external decoration
and signage. You need to ensure that
you are fully aware of your obligations
before you sign a contract. We advise
a detailed list be provided which both
parties sign.
You should receive electric and gas
safety certificates on an annual basis as
this is the landlord’s obligation to you.
RUNNING COSTS
You are responsible for all running costs
of the business, including any rent,
building insurances, service charge, all
utilities, and wages, promotional spend
and entertainment.
WAYS TO ENTER
THE TRADE

14
ASSIGNABLE AGREEMENT
As a temporary agreement, you have no
rights to assign it to a third party for any
goodwill premium.
LANDLORD & TENANT ACT
On temporary agreements you have
no protection at all and in fact the Pub
Company/Breweries can issue notice
at any time, this is usually 4 weeks, but
can be as little as a few days. However,
you also have the right to give short
notice.
CONTRACTUAL PAYMENTS
When you lease from a Pub Company
or Brewery you will pay rent, service
charge, and building insurance. You
will have to source insurance for your
personal effects, stock and fixtures
and fittings and you will need to insure
against Public Liability plus Employers
Liability’.
TIE STATUS & PURCHASE
OBLIGATIONS
Under a temporary agreement you
would usually be expected to purchase
all drinks from the Landlord. This is
known as a Full Tie, where any drink
sold over the bar must be purchased
from the company. In some instances,
some elements of this Full Tie may
be relaxed dependent upon individual
companies and personal arrangements.
There will be beer monitoring lines
installed in your cellar to ensure that the
Pub Company or Brewery is receiving
all the sales of alcohol and this will be
monitored weekly.
Should you not adhere to the terms laid
out in your contract in respect of Tie
you may be charged at the loss of profit
to the company at the agreed rate set
out in your contract or your agreement
may be terminated.
FRUIT MACHINES, QUIZ MACHINES
& JUKEBOXES
You will also have to share a percentage
of any income from your games
machines with the company, in fact in
most cases they will supply you will a
list of specific machine suppliers who
you are contractually bound to use.
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE FROM
LANDLORD
All Pub Companies employ Business
Development Managers, known by
slightly differing titles according to
which Pub Company you elect to work
with. Obviously they have a degree of
responsibility to the company to ensure
that all elements of your contractual
agreement are being adhered to, but
they are also a very useful source of
advice and guidance who can help you
to grow your business and become
more successful. Most Pub Companies
are developing training courses to
improve the calibre of their BDMs to
ensure that they can help you and the
Pub Company maximise the profitability
of the pub. As your primary point of
contact with the Landlord, we would
always recommend that you use their
skills and experience as much as
possible.
TENANCY AGREEMENT
(USUALLY 3-6 YEARS)
A tenancy is an agreement between you
and the Landlord from whom you rent
your property.
Some agreements will be protected
however, others will not. It is very
important that you understand the
implications of the Landlord and Tenant
act as you may be asked by your
landlord to opt out of the Landlord and
Tenant act. In all cases we would advise
taking legal advice.
You will pay to the Pub Company/
Brewery a security deposit which is
negotiable (usually between 3-6k)
and which will be held against
any arrears on your account. The
deposit is returned to you within 28
days of termination of your subject
to your account being cleared and
any dilapidations being rectified if
appropriate.
FIXTURES & FITTINGS
etc. Costs should be on valuation via
an independent valuer. In some cases
you may be able to hire the fixtures &
fittings from the landlord, you will need
to discuss this at the time you negotiate
your deal.
You will be responsible for maintenance
items at the property but generally you
are not responsible for heating boilers,
electrical or wiring faults, structural
faults external decoration and signage.
As a rule of thumb the Pub Company
will likely take responsibility for the
WAYS TO ENTER
THE TRADE

FLY HIGHER
WITH A FALCON PUB
For more information please call 01283 501999
or email recruitment@punchtaverns.com
www.punchtaverns.com
Take the
next step..
Talk to us
About Falcon:
Would you like to be your own boss? But without the
stresses of running your own business? Then a Falcon
pub might be just what you are looking for!
Together we agree the offer for the pub, and then Punch
take responsibility for the running costs. Liberated from
the day to day stresses of paying bills, you will be
responsible for recruiting an amazing pub team that you
will employ.
With the support and guidance of your Area Manager,
you can then focus your energy and skills on delivering
an amazing consumer offer, with the shared objectives
of growing Sales and delivering profit.
Delivering optimum standards and motivating your
team, you will retain an agreed percentage of all net
weekly sales as well as the potential to earn further
financial reward for delivering strong profit
performance.
Our Specialities
We pay the bills!
Financial incentive for hitting
profit targets
Top portfolio of retail products
Free industry training
The support and guidance
of the very BEST
Area Operations Managers

16
structure of the building and you will
take responsibility for internal repairs.
You need to ensure that you are fully
aware of your obligations before you
sign the contract. In our opinion a
detailed list, signed by both parties,
should be provided as part of your
contract.
You should receive electric and gas
safety certificates on an annual basis as
this is the landlord’s obligation to you.
RUNNING COSTS
You are responsible for all running
costs of the business, including rent,
building insurance, service charge, all
utilities, wages, promotional costs and
entertainment.
As a short term agreement, you have no
rights to assign it to a third party for any
goodwill premium.
charge, and building insurance on a
monthly basis. You will have to source
insurance for your personal effects,
stock and fixtures & fittings and you will
need to insure against Public Liability
plus Employers Liability.
TIE STATUS & PURCHASE
OBLIGATIONS
You will also be expected to purchase
some or all of your alcohol from them
– this is known as a Tie. It can be a Full
Tie which means you are expected to
purchase all draught and packaged soft
drinks, wines and spirits, and in some
cases even nuts and crisps. You may
also be able to negotiate a Partial Tie
which means you can purchase your
wines, spirits and minerals from any
supplier.
There will be beer monitoring lines
installed in your cellar to ensure that the
Pub Company or brewery is receiving
all the sales of alcohol and this will
be monitored weekly. Should you not
adhere to the terms laid out in your
contract in respect of the Tie – you will
be charged for the loss of profit to the
company at the agreed rate set out in
your contract.
WAYS TO ENTER
THE TRADE
PUB COMPANIES ARE
MOST INTERESTED IN
GETTING THE RIGHT
PERSON INTO THE
RIGHT PUB.

17
FRUIT MACHINES, QUIZ MACHINES
& JUKEBOXES
You will also have to share a percentage
of any income from your games
machines with the company and in fact
in most cases they will supply you with
a list of specific machine suppliers who
you are contractually bound to use.
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE FROM
LANDLORD
All Pub Companies employ Business
Development Managers, known by
slightly differing titles according to
which Pub Company you elect to work
with. Obviously they have a degree of
responsibility to the company to ensure
that all elements of your contractual
agreement are being adhered to, but
they are also a very useful source of
advice and guidance who can help you
to grow your business and become
more successful. Most Pub Companies
are developing training courses to
improve the calibre of their BDMs to
ensure that they can help you and the
Pub Company maximise the profitability
of the pub. As your primary point of
contact with the Landlord, we would
always recommend that you use their
skills and experience as much as
possible.
LEASE AGREEMENTS
(USUALLY 5 - 20 YEARS)
You will need to pay to the Pub
Company a security deposit which is
usually non-negotiable. This will be
approximately £6,000 or one quarter’s
rent (whichever is the greater figure) and
which will be held against any arrears
or property dilapidation survey at the
end of your agreement. The deposit
is returned to you, usually within 28
days of termination of your agreement
subject to the account being cleared
and repairs being completed.
FIXTURES & FITTINGS
etc. Costs should be on valuation via
an independent valuer. In some cases
you may be able to hire the fixtures &
fittings from the landlord, you will need
to discuss this at the time you negotiate
your deal.
It is usual under Lease Agreements
for you to be completely responsible
for the entire condition of the property.
This would include the structure,
heating systems, electrics, decorations,
signage and so on. Many leases are
called ‘Put & Keep’ Leases, meaning
you are required to put the building in
a good condition and keep it that way.
At the end of your agreement or at a
lease renewal negotiation, you will be
served with a Schedule of Dilapidations
which will highlight the works which you
must carry out or be charged for. It is
therefore, important that you have a full,
professional building survey carried out
in order that you are fully acquainted
with the condition of the property and
can factor into your considerations the
costs of maintaining the building.
RUNNING COSTS
You are responsible for all running
costs of the business, including rent,
building insurance, service charge, all
utilities, wages, promotional costs and
entertainment.
The main benefit of a lease agreement
is that you will be able to sell the
goodwill which you build up through
your hard work, to a third party.
The price which you can sell your
agreement for would be dependent
upon its profitability at the point of
sale. It is a usual requirement that
the landlord would have the right
to approve to whom you sell the
agreement.
charge and building insurance on a
monthly basis. You will have to source
insurance for your personal effects,
stock and fixtures & fittings and you will
need to insure against Public Liability
plus Employers Liability.

18
FREE OF TIE
This means that you can purchase
products from anywhere or anyone
but invariably you will still be a tenant
or lessee and there may be conditions
attached.
Your rent could be inflated to cover the
Pub Company’s loss in beer income so
this needs to be carefully considered
before you agree. Typically this type
of agreement will carry a higher rent
obligation and not all companies
currently offer a Free of Tie agreement.
MANAGING A PUB
When you manage a Pub for someone
else you are purely an employee of
the company and therefore are not
responsible for any of the running costs
of the business.
You are employed to develop
the business and will receive a
performance related salary; your living
accommodation is included in your
package.
You will have an area manager assigned
to you and you will need to complete
weekly records for the business.
The Pub Company employs everyone
who works at your pub and are
responsible for repairs and upkeep of
the property.
In addition to working for a Brewery
directly there are now many small
agencies who employ managers and
pay them a percentage of net takings
on a weekly basis. Under these
circumstances you are responsible for
registering as self employed and paying
your own national insurance and tax.
Like all employees you will be
monitored and assessed on a regular
basis. Whilst you have the certainty of
paid employment you will have little or
no say in major decisions affecting the
business.
Depending on the company you will
be required to commit to obtaining
some qualifications and if your role
involves being the Designated Premises
Supervisor you will need too obtain
your Personal Licence.
PURCHASING A FREEHOUSE
When looking at buying a pub you must
be aware that this is exactly the same
as purchasing a house; however, banks
usually look to lend 70% of the value so
you will need to have the other 30% as
deposit.
This is a great option if it’s financially
viable as you own the business fully
and you have complete independence
to purchase products from any supplier
you choose; whether you choose to use
a Brewery or local wholesaler you are in
the driving seat when negotiating deals.
PURCHASING AN EXISTING
LEASE
When buying a lease, banks will
generally lend 70% of the value so
you will need to have the other 30%
as deposit. You are buying the value of
the lease and the business goodwill.
You will generally be responsible for
the building repair and for this reason
before you purchase there should be
a schedule of dilapidations drawn up
which the vendor will either complete or
will negotiate for you to do them but in
a set time period. Again this would be
completed if you sold the lease on.
Should you not adhere to the terms laid
out in your contract in respect of Tie,
you will be charged for the loss of profit
to the company at the agreed rate set
out in your contract.
FRANCHISE / HYBRID
AGREEMENTS
A number of Pub Companies are now
offering franchise or enhanced support
agreements. These could be relevant
to a number of different styles of
pubs. Some have high ingoing costs
and ongoing franchise fees as a % of
turnover, but these are usually high end,
high quality pubs with the potential
for significant levels of turnover. Your
franchise fees would cover enhanced
support options to help develop the
business. These styles of pubs would
usually suit experienced operators in
the industry, but not exclusively.
There are also a number of companies
offering Hybrid Agreements which are
a form of tenancy but with far greater
hands on support from the landlord.
Typically ingoing costs are lower and
the trading format of the pub is dictated
to you in terms of pricing, marketing
and food. You would usually receive a
% of turnover as your income and in
some cases the landlord would take
care of the bills. These are attractive
propositions for applicants with low
levels of cash or experience available.
WAYS TO ENTER
THE TRADE

Invested
We’ll match your investment
to deliver a great retail
proposition for your customers,
pound for pound.
Find out more about the Partnership
Tenancy Plus agreement at

20
TOP TIPS FOR RUNNING A PUB
• Negotiate the right deal for you and financial status
• Employ an industry experienced accountant from the
outset. They will assist you with the start-up business
plan as well provide you with timely and relevant
financial information as your business progresses
• Employ an experienced professional stocktaker and
ensure that in the first year they are completing a
stock take at least every 6 weeks. Thereafter as a
minimum they should complete stocktakes every
quarter. Despite the costs, they will save you money in
the long term
• Keep excellent standards both internally and externally
at all times
• Know your competition and compete against it
• Know and understand your own business, don’t leave
it to the other people even if they are professionals
• Keep excellent records at all times
• Always analyse your successes and failures
• Stick to what you know best and what is right for your
area
• Always remember this is your livelihood and your home
• Regularly walk the ‘customer journey’ at your pub.
What do you customers see as they approach your
business and walk through the door? Is it inviting,
warm, amenable and attractive? Constantly review
your own retail standards, would you eat and drink
here?
CASK ALES
Cask Marque is an independent
accreditation scheme to recognise
excellence in the service of cask ale.
Over 6,000 pubs in the UK have now
been awarded Cask Marque and
have seen the benefit of nationwide
marketing programme designed to
promote these pubs to the consumer –
1 in 2 cask drinkers now recognises the
Cask Marque plaque and understands
it guarantees good quality beer.
Once you have decided to join the
Cask Marque scheme, an independent
assessor will visit your outlet,
unannounced, twice in a three month
period. The assessor will check the
temperature, appearance, aroma
and taste of all your cask ales. Once
accredited the Pub can display the
coveted Cask Marque plaque and
will receive unlimited point of sale
material throughout the period of the
accreditation to display inside the bar.
Most important of all, the Cask Marque
Award is proven to increase turnover
and profitability.
To find out more please contact
01206 752212 or visit
www.cask-marque.co.uk
WAYS TO ENTER
THE TRADE

RUNYOUROWN
PUBBUSINESS!...
in partnership with
For more information or to discuss our current vacancies, contact:
Emma Skuce: t: 07854 999400 / e: emmaskuce@thwaites.co.uk
www.runathwaitespub.co.uk
Whether it’s your first pub or you have years of
experience, we work in partnership with our licensees
to create sustainable and profitable pub businesses.
• A diverse range of properties and
development opportunities to suit your
personal criteria and level of investment
• Flexible tenancy agreements
• A range of training programmes along
with a dedicated area manager and
brewery support team
• We brew a range award winning beers
uniquely for our hotels, pubs and Inns
• Our pub estate is represented across
the North West, Yorkshire,
Staffordshire and the Midlands.
GET IN TOUCH!..
Thwaites!

FOUND YOUR PUB!
But what about the Legal Work…
Did you know all employees are entitled to a statement of employment within 2
months of joining a company?
Failure to comply could lead you to an Employment Tribunal.
How about policies and procedures?
For example, disciplinary and grievance policies or substance abuse polices?
Have you given any thought to the lease for the pub?
Do you want a statutory right to renew your lease at the end of the term?
A break clause?
If you’ve not considered any of this
it’s ok because you’ve found us!
At EHL Commercial Law we can
provide you with the help you need
so that you’re all set for your new
venture.
Contact EHL Commercial Law on
0330 024 9643 today and ask to
speak with one of our specialist
advisers in the Employment and
Commercial Property team.
WWW.EHLCOMMERCIAL.CO.UK

23
AS PART OF THE OVERALL
PRACTICES WITHIN THE INDUSTRY
AND FOLLOWING ON FROM THE
PUBLICATION OF THE INDUSTRY
FRAMEWORK CODE (IFC), ALL
PUB COMPANIES AND BREWERY
OWNERS OF PUBS, HAVE
ESTABLISHED THEIR OWN CODES
OF PRACTICE.
These Codes will go into great detail
with regard to how you can expect
your new landlord to behave and act
in certain situations. The IFC sets out
the minimum acceptable standards you
should expect from a Pub Company
regarding the letting and operation
of tenanted and leased pubs. Pub
Companies are required to incorporate
these standards into their own Code
of Practice to gain accreditation from
BII Benchmarking and Accreditation
Service (BIIBAS). These Codes need to
be re-accredited every 12 months.
The Code of Practice (CoP) from your
chosen Pub Company is separate from
your tenancy or lease agreement, but
you should read it in conjunction with
your legal agreement. The CoP will set
out exactly what you should expect in
dealing with your Landlord in terms of
operating your pub business. All Pub
Companies and Brewers publish their
CoP on their own websites and we
would recommend you take the time
to review these in order to understand
how the tied pub business model
works.
PIRRS AND PICAS
Should you ever get into dispute with your landlord,
there are now two avenues through which you can try to
seek re-dress prior to formal legal proceedings.
In the event of being unable to achieve a satisfactory
conclusion of a rent review (should your agreement
include one), you can refer the matter to PIRRS, the
Pubs Independent Rent Review Scheme. This is a low
cost rent review resolution service to the licensed
industry. More information regarding this service can be
found at www.pirrsscheme.com.
For any other disputes with your landlord you can refer
the matter to PICAS, the Pubs Independent Conciliation
and Arbitration Service. This offers a low cost dispute
resolution service to the licensed industry. The panel at
PICAS will hear disputes relating to breaches of IFC or
individual Pub Company Codes of Practice or any other
relevant disputes. More information can be found at
www.picaservice.com.
23
CODES OF
PRACTICE

24
When you take on your own
business, understanding and
keeping control of the cash
in your business is critical to
your success.
More businesses will fail
due to a lack of control of
cashflow before lack of
profitability. Without cash,
your business will simply
grind to a halt, therefore we
would strongly recommend
that you sign up with an
industry experienced
accountancy provider.
Whilst there are many accountants
and financial ‘specialists’ in the
marketplace, industry experienced
professionals can also provide you with
timely and relevant consultancy advice
to help you with your business.
Fees are payable but have, in many
cases, been negotiated by the Pub
Companies in order that they are
appropriate for the service that they
expect you to receive. You should
expect the following as a minimum from
your accountancy provider;
• Business Registration – VAT
Registration
• Production and submission of VAT
returns
• Payroll Services to ensure your staff
are paid legally
• Annual Financial Accounts –
Produced, reviewed with you and
submitted to HMRC
• Annual Self-Assessment – for your
own tax submission
• Business Advice and Consultancy –
with regard to the successful running
of your pub
• Rent review assistance – if
appropriate to your agreement,
advice and support at rent reviews
• Regular sets of management
accounts – in order that you can
assess the profitability of your
business on an ongoing basis
• Business Plans and cashflow
forecasts – whether to start your
business or to review it, you should
seek help to develop the plans for
your new venture
• Stocktaking services – usually
provided through 3rd party
stocktakers but your accountant
should be able to put you in touch
with a suitably qualified stocktaker
Some of these services will be included
within your monthly payment package
with your accountant, whilst others will
incur an additional charge – check with
your chosen provider.
FINANCE &
ACCOUNTANCY
FINANCE &
ACCOUNTANCY

25
MY NOTESRepaired
We’ll cover the repairs and give
you up to £1,000 a year to help
with maintenance costs so you can
focus on running your business.
Find out more about new Partnership
Tenancy Plus agreement at

RUN A PUB WITH PUNCH
We care about our Pubs and our Publicans
For more information please call 01283 501999
or email recruitment@punchtaverns.com
www.punchtaverns.com
Take the
next step..
Talk to us
TOGETHER WE DELIVER THE BEST PUB HOSPITALITY

27
FUTURE OF PUB
RECRUITMENT
ALL CHANGE AS
INNOVATION PROMISES TO
SECURE BEST PRACTISE
IN THE PUB RECRUITMENT
INDUSTRY.
I consider myself a very privileged
individual at the moment. The pub
industry is not known for its innovative
recruitment processes but rather an
outdated one, but this is all changing.
Pub Companies are finally joining the
21st Century and are taking on-board
recruitment techniques that have been
missing from the industry for years and
I am a part of it. The way we recruit
here has been streamlined in order to
be more effective in finding sustainable
publicans.
For my team and I, gone are the days
where financial status is weighed
so heavily and the deciding factor.
Our recruitment process is set up in
parts which includes financial status,
working history, skills which include
certifications and believe it or not
behavioural questions. Yes! That’s
right behavioural questions. Although
these are a small part in the recruitment
process they allow us to understand
what makes the applicant tick and
identify the style of pub that would
suit that said applicant. The reasoning
behind a recruitment practice like this
in the initial instance is to help guide
applicants as well as to understand
their viability. This is vitally important to
secure a future for the pub industry and
its publicans. It also makes sure that
each applicant goes through the same
procedure that it is fair. It is not who you
know, but what you know.
It is fun trust me!
Although recruitment is changing
there will always be some resistance,
however we try to make the process
as painless as possible. It can be
described as a dreaded phone
interview, but that is such a dirty word
in this industry that we describe it as a
chat to get to know you which is then
backed by relevant documents. There
is no preparation needed it is all about
you and what you bring to the table.
There are requirements that need to be
met otherwise this process would be
null and void, but this does not mean
that you cannot take on a pub and
you are blacklisted if you do not meet
these minimum standards. It means
there are certain elements that need
to be completed by you before taking
on a pub. These elements can range
from something basic like obtaining
your personal licence, to more far-
reaching requirements like gaining
some commercial or pub-related skills.
This instrument means that the Pub
Companies are not wasting yours or
their time because the best candidates
and pub opportunities from the Pub
Companies are easy to match. It also
lays out a clear path or journey where
information is released at various
stages in order to progress smoothly.
With my background being in
recruitment this is a no brainer for
me. This is a process to be embraced
by applicants as the core purpose
of its implementation is to improve
the application experience, protect
the applicant and also make the
requirements for taking on a pub more
comprehensive. Enabling best practice
for both candidate and company.
Kim Tomlinson
Account Executive
View more articles on
our website at: www.
findmypub.com/blog/

FINDMYPUB.COM
The Right Place to Find
the Right Pub for You
Valuable Information Guide
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