Introduction (Pat Johnston, Newbrough Town Hall)
This is an account of a talk given to the Autumn Meeting of the West Northumberland Community Buildings Consortium, held on 19th October 2011.
Newbrough Town Hall has set up a Bar in the Town Hall and are running it for the benefit of Hall Users and as a source of income.
Why Have a Bar?
Two main reasons:
- Demand for weddings and parties as well as our own fundraising events.
- Running a Bar is profitable and becomes a source of income for the Hall.
Licensing
- Talk to your local licensing officer.
- Go for the maximum licensing periods so not to have any restrictions.
- The Committee as a body become responsible for the licence.
Setting up
- Location of the Bar – Newbrough used a separate room which is lockable
- Equipment needed – till, optics cupboard, refrigerator, bar , glasses.
- Newbrough do offer draught and can use plastic glasses.
Insurance
- Need to ensure that your insurance policy covers for a Bar.
- The value of the stock stored need to be covered.
- Any cash held on the premises (even overnight) needs to be secure and held in a safe.
- Cash in transit.
Stock Control
- Needs careful handling and good judgement.
- Most drinks have a fairly long shelf life. But watch the ‘Use by’ dates.
- Keg beer and lager needs care – goes off.
- Real Ale has a very short life.
- Open wine bottles go off.
- Judge the occasion – sometimes need to stock up for parties that consume large amounts.
- On occasions we have needed someone to go buy more stock.
- Shorts/Spirits – generally OK.
Staffing
- Needs care.
- Small events can use committee/volunteers.
- Larger events need casual paid staff.
- Must have a ‘responsible’ person present.
- Need to operate PAYE.
Legal status for selling alcohol
- Selling alcohol is not a charitable activity.
- Set up a Trading Company for the activity, which will gift its profits to the Charity.
- Beyond de minimis limits, profits may be liable to tax.
- Maximum turnover £5,000.
Miscellaneous
- There has been no conflict locally with other publicans.
- Under 18 – no , use a wrist band system.