How to become a publican
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- a graduate management trainee scheme
Apprenticeship
You may be able to start by doing a hospitality manager higher apprenticeship.
You could then apply to become a pub landlord once you've built up your experience in the drinks trade.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You can start as a bar person and work your way into this role by applying for promotion when you've got experience.
Direct Application
There are no set requirements, but you'll find it useful to have experience in customer service at a supervisory level, and some experience of bar work.
You'll usually need to do the Pre-Entry Awareness Training e-learning course.
You'll also need to complete the British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders to apply for a personal licence.
It's possible for anybody with enough financial backing to buy a pub or bar.
As a manager of a pub or bar that sells food, you'll usually need a qualification in food safety accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
Other Routes
Some large pub chains run graduate management trainee schemes.
You'll usually need relevant work experience and a degree in an area like:
- business
- marketing
- hotel and catering
- hospitality management with licensed retail
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Professional and industry bodies
You may find it useful to join organisations like the British Institute of Innkeeping and British Beer & Pub Association, for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a publican from British Beer & Pub Association and the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.