How can I become a pub operator?

Once you’ve applied, a Licensee Attraction Manager (LAM) will call you to discover more about you, answer any questions you might have and see how transferable your skills and experience already are.

This call will take around 30-40 minutes and will cover if you have a specific pub of interest. If you do have a specific pub in mind, we advise ideally that you visit it before this phone call. We will also ask about your experience in working with a team, how you’ll look for opportunities to develop your business and how you would deal with customers. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask us any questions – or about your pub of interest too.

The Business Development Manager (BDM) will ask you to create a Sustainable Business Plan. This will involve the practical aspects of running a pub, and how you can use your skills and experience to make it a real success and there will be a checklist to ensure you’re aware of the commercial deal that’s on offer. During this period you’ll receive information on The Pubs Code – this is legislation that regulates the relationship between tied pub Tenants and Pub Owning Businesses in the UK. It will also include information about the Pubs’ Code Adjudicator (PCA) who ensures this legislation is adhered to. We’ll then give you a minimum of four weeks to allow you to get independent financial advice and finalise your vision for the pub.

Once the agreement is signed the pub is yours! The BDM will arrange to meet you at the pub on the first day of your agreement. At this meeting, they will make sure all the keys and security codes are handed over to you. They will also facilitate stock-taking, meter reads and the transfer of the fixtures and fittings.

Finally, they will give you all the contact details you need for property, stock ordering and the support team. And of course, we’ll work closely with you on an ongoing basis to make sure you make the most of your new pub business.