Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

The Work

Going to the pub is one of the most traditional leisure activities in the country. It's the job of publicans to make sure that customers in the pub are happy, while the business makes a good profit.

Publicans are independent, self-employed business people who own the pubs that they run. Some publicans, particularly in rural pubs, live in the same building which means that they are always on call.

Many pubs serve food ranging from snacks at lunchtime to high quality, restaurant standard meals. Whatever kind of pub you own; there are common elements to the kind of work you will have to do.

One of the biggest parts of the publican's job is to manage the staff. There are bar staff and cleaners, and there may be catering staff. Many could be part-time, so the work has to be organised so that there are the right number of people on duty at any one time.

They also do stock control, re-ordering supplies of food and drink before they run out. They supervise beer deliveries, do the pub's banking, and think about (and organise) activities, entertainment and special offers that will bring in more customers. A publican is also responsible for the health, safety and security of the premises, staff and customers.

Most publicans also do the same work as their staff. They serve customers, collect and wash empty glasses, clear ashtrays, take orders for food and wait on tables. However, some publicans hire bar managers, particularly if they own more than one pub. The bar manager then performs the day-to-day managing duties.

A very important part of a Publicans job is enforcing the law regarding the sale of alcohol on the premises. Publicans are required to have an age identification policy and ensure that all staff are fully aware of it.

Publicans are also responsible for ensuring they have renewed their Publican’s Licence on time and as often as is required.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Keep records required by government agencies regarding sanitation or food subsidies.
• Investigate and resolve complaints regarding food quality, service, or accommodations.
• Maintain food and equipment inventories, and keep inventory records.
• Monitor food preparation methods, portion sises, and garnishing and presentation of food to ensure that food is prepared and presented in an acceptable manner.
• Schedule and receive food and beverage deliveries, checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
• Coordinate assignments of cooking personnel to ensure economical use of food and timely preparation.
• Monitor compliance with health and fire regulations regarding food preparation and serving, and building maintenance in lodging and dining facilities.
• Count money and make bank deposits.
• Establish standards for personnel performance and customer service.
• Perform some food preparation or service tasks, such as cooking, clearing tables, and serving food and drinks when necessary.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

To own a Pub requires a lot of financial resources as you need a suitable premises, interiors, stock, and staff. You need a strong Business plan and Local Enterprise Offices offer support and training to develop business plans and necessary skills.

It is also absolutely essential to have a Publican’s licence. You can read more about current licencing from Revenue’s National Excise Licence Office (NELO) here. Likewise Food & Safety regulations as many public Houses are 'Gastro Pubs' serving Food & Alternatives Search Here.  

Publicans also need a lot of practical experience working in Public houses, preferably at a Supervisory or Management level. People can also become Publicans through inheriting the family pub, via Franchsining, or buying into existing premises. 

There are relevant courses offered nationwide by various Institutes of Technology in Hospitality Management and Business Studies which may provide you with beneficial knowledge for running a pub.

FET Centre Courses: Hospitality, Restuarant & Bar Management, Start your own Business NFQ Level 5, Supervisory Management NFQ Level 6 Search FET Courses.

FET PLC Courses Restaurant & Bar Management, Hospitality, Hotel, Bar & Restaurant Studies courses at NFQ level 5 Search PLC Courses 

Apprenticeship: Bar management NFQ level 7 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Business, Commerce, Bar and Restaurant Management at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Training & Development

The pub sector has changed over the years and many pubs have had to close, particularly in rural Ireland. However, some have been innovative and survived tough times by offering unique experiences and additional services such as food, music or even a transport service making sure their customers get home safely. Other publicans progress in their career by having more than one pubs to their name.

Irish pubs are recognised internationally and many Irish expats have opened hugely successful ‘Traditional Irish’ pubs all around the world.

Membership in Trade Organisation for pubs will keep you in touch with other publicans and up-to-date on what is happening in the industry, including awards, training opportunities and sector news.

Vintners Federation of Ireland for pubs outside the greater Dublin area

Licensed Vintners Association for Dublin pubs.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €100k

As owner-operators the income of publicans can vary greatly depending on the size, location, and type of establishment owned. Small local bars may only provide a small income, whereas substantial operations in urban areas may provide significant incomes. Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ Excel

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Numbers were too small for a detailed analysis of employment for this occupation although the Recruitment Agency Survey indicated difficulty in filling vacancies for bar and events managers.

• Vintners Federation of Ireland

  • VFI House, Castleside Drive, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14
  • (01) 492 3400
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Licensed Vintners Association

  • Anglesea House, Anglesea Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
  • (01) 668 0215
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• National Excise Licence Office (NELO)

  • 01 738 3640
  • [email protected]