The stats are there to back it up. Attitudes and habits to alcohol are changing; whether they are sober-curious or simply cutting back, consumers are moving away from a booze-based social culture. As ever the pub industry is meeting these changes with innovation and increased choice for their customers.
Responsibility is not the first word that springs to mind when you think of Christmas in a pub, but when you are running a pub, it needs to be right up there with getting your beer order right. As a pub landlord, many responsibilities land firmly at your feet, however, at times of plenty like Christmas it can be all too easy to focus on the day-to-day, bookings, stock and money going in the tills and forget the bigger picture.
As pubs look to diversify their offers, with many opening for longer hours, there are a plethora of opportunities for publicans to draw in their local community. From offering something as simple as special lunch menus to free internet access and post office facilities, particularly in rural areas the pub can position itself as a place where all are welcome and valued. Even more, it can be the few words you or your staff share with a customer who comes in alone that may change their day; you might be the only person they talk to that day.
As one of the busiest periods in the pub year, Christmas and New Year can be key to hitting sales targets but it is also important to preserve both your own and your staff’s sanity! FindMyPub.com’s Ana, Faye and Rachel put their heads together to share some of their collective wisdom. (Disclaimer any similarities to real people or situations are purely coincidental!)
As with the rest of the UK, Scotland has seen some big changes in the pub and brewing industry in recent years. The impact of minimum unit prices, the changes in the renewal of licenses as well as consumer habits becoming increasingly health conscious cannot be ignored. However, the industry remains robust contributing £1.6 billion to the Scottish economy and generating £972 million in tax revenues, with an annual investment of £69 million. (source: Scottish Beer and Pub Association)
Data forms the backbone of what we do here at MyPubGroup.ltd. We chatted with our Web Director, Stuart about some of the recent developments he has worked on that are changing the way we use and interpret data across the group.
These days, people are always connected. Whether it’s checking emails on the morning commute or ordering goods, we spend a large proportion of our days online. This, in turn, means that it's increasingly critical for pub’s to be aware of the importance of data protection and use sound practices to keep their customers and staff’s sensitive, personal information safe and secure.
Some people only begin their Christmas preparations when they have seen a well- known advert from a soft drinks company! However, planning for your TENs for the festive period should take place much earlier than that, to help your premises maximise on many people’s festive spirit.
Wondering why you should be on the FindMyPub.com mailing lists? This could be the perfect way for you to keep in touch with us here at FMP HQ.
Guest Article by John Gaunt and Partners Solicitors. Christmas time can be wonderful for your business with the opportunity to generate income from increased footfall into your premises. However, Christmas can sometimes come with its own Licensing pitfalls for you and your staff.
