Career outlook for bar person
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£16,120
Currently employed in Scotland
19,300
Average UK salary
£16,120
Currently employed in Scotland
19,300
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would serve drinks to customers in pubs, clubs and hotels.
You’d take customers’ orders, serve drinks and food and take payment. It would be important to make people feel welcome, chat with them and make a good impression.
There are many different types of licensed premises such as pubs, hotels, nightclubs, social clubs, restaurants, sports clubs, leisure centres and holiday parks. Depending on the type of bar you’re working in, it might a very lively, noisy place.
You would:
- Take customers’ orders, often memorising the order rather than writing it down
- Serve a range of drinks and snacks including sandwiches and hot food
- Mix and pour drinks using the bar measures
- Carry trays of drinks over to tables
- Collect and wash glasses
- Keep the bar and tables clean and tidy
- Stock up with alcoholic and soft drinks, ice and snacks like nuts and crisps
- Use tills, collect money and give change
You might become an expert in making cocktails or learn to pour real ale and store craft beers. You could help to organise special events to attract customers such as quiz nights, karaoke or live music.
Sometimes you’d need to check a customer’s identification to ensure they are of the legal age to be there. You’d also need to be patient and firm with difficult customers who might be rowdy or drunk, and you might have to refuse to serve them.
Sometimes you might need to carry or move heavy crates, beer barrels and boxes.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
26%
Part-time
72%
Self employed
2%
Top skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Positive attitude
- Cooperating
- Listening
- Verbal communication
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Taking responsibility
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Qualifications
There are no formal qualifications to enter this role. Employers value a good general education.
You will also need
Under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 all staff serving/selling alcohol must receive at least two hours of basic training before they can sell/serve alcohol. Employers are expected to provide this training.
You must be over 18 years of age to serve alcohol however you may be able to work as a glass collector and washer at a younger age.
Helpful to have
Qualifications at SCQF levels 4 to 6 or relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Hospitality Services or Food and Beverage Service (SVQ level 1).
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