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Bar person

Bar staff serve drinks in venues like pubs, clubs, wine bars, hotels and leisure centres.

Average salary (a year)

£12,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become a bar person

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You can take a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job, which will help you find work in the industry. Courses include:

  • Level 1 Award in Introduction to Employment in the Hospitality Industry
  • Level 1 Award in Professional Food and Beverage Service Skills
  • Level 2 Certificate in General Food and Beverage Service

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G) for a level 1 course
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) for a level 2 course

More information

Apprenticeship

You could do an intermediate apprenticeship as a hospitality team member.

This will usually take 1 year to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route but it may help you to get in if you have:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More information

Direct application

You can apply directly if you've got some of the relevant skills, experience and knowledge needed for this job.

Employers will look for strong communication skills, good customer service, and the ability to work well in a team.

More information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in the drinks trade from:

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to enjoy working with other people
  • a good memory
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

  • be over 18 years of age

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks could include:

  • using a till to take orders and payments
  • handling cash
  • serving drinks and snacks
  • keeping the bar clean and well stocked

Working environment

You could work at a restaurant, in a hotel or in a bar.

Your working environment may be noisy, crowded and hot.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to supervisor, deputy bar manager and bar manager.

You could also become a publican or bar manager for a hotel chain.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Front of House Apprentice (Hospitality)

  • Wage : £172.00 Weekly
  • Location: Wigan WN5 0UJ

McDonald’s Apprenticeship - Crew Member - Thurmaston, Leicester

  • Wage : £165.00 - £240.00 Weekly
  • Location: Leicester LE4 8GP
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

General Food and Beverage Service Certificate Level 1

  • Provider: MANCHESTER COLLEGE (THE)
  • Start date: 04 September 2019
  • Location: Manchester

Certificate in General Food and Beverage Service Skills (Level 2) Programme

  • Provider: Lewisham Waterloo College
  • Start date: 04 February 2020
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

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