A pub is a British idea for spending time together over a pint of beer. In the early 1990s, pubs began appearing in most Polish cities – no wonder, as alcohol has “always” been at the heart of Polish celebrations. Over time, drinking culture has evolved somewhat. Strong spirits have been gradually replaced by beer, creating even more room for pubs to thrive and attract customers. To this day, running a pub is a good business idea, though, like any food and beverage venture, it comes with its risks. What should you do to make running a pub both satisfying and profitable?
Licensing and Pub Location
Before investing in pub equipment, you must obtain a liquor license. Without it, operating a pub is impossible. The cost and type of license depend on the kind of alcohol being sold. There are three types of licenses: for beverages containing up to 4.5% alcohol, for beverages with more than 4.5% but no more than 18% (excluding beer), and for beverages exceeding 18% alcohol.
Equally important as the license is finding a good location for your pub. The areas around old town centers work particularly well, as they remain lively even outside the main season and attract a steady stream of potential customers. A good solution is to locate the pub on a street where other pubs and cafes already operate. Streets like these generate significant foot traffic, which naturally drives new customers to your establishment.
Essential Investments for a Pub
Equipping a pub is not overly complicated. The minimum, essential equipment for a fully functional pub includes:
- A professional beer tap system,
- A cooler or refrigerator,
- A dishwasher with a sanitizing function,
- An automatic or pressure coffee machine,
- A full set of beer glasses and drinkware,
- An air conditioning system,
- Tables, chairs, and couches.
If you plan to serve hot snacks or burgers with beer, it’s worth investing in a single-chamber fryer and a contact grill. Expanding the offer to include food will mean complying with more stringent hygiene and sanitary regulations.
What to Do in Case of Equipment Failure in a Pub?
Nothing lasts forever, so it’s essential to prepare for the possibility of equipment failure. Beer taps are usually serviced by brewery specialists, but if, for example, the dishwasher breaks down and a part needs to be replaced, spare parts for the most popular dishwasher types can be sourced from trusted suppliers.
