Last Updated On 05 Sep, 2020

How to Become a Bar Manager

About Bar Manager

A Bar Manager is a person who supervises the operations and services offered in a bar. They have a job profile similar to restaurant managers but their scope of work is limited to the bar area of a restaurant or hotel. A Bar Manager is responsible for ensuring that the patrons of a bar are satisfied and getting good service. They must also ensure that the bar is running efficiently, there is no wastage and the quality of products being served is up to standard. Bar Managers also work to resolve any disputes that may arise among customers or the bar service staff.

Responsibilities of a Bar Manager

The career of a Bar Manager can be better understood by taking a look at the responsibilities they fulfil during service. Given below are some of the prominent job responsibilities of Bar Managers.

  • Supervise the day-to-day operations in a bar

  • Hire and train new recruits including bartenders

  • Ensuring that proper health and safety standards are being followed in a bar

  • Interact with customers to ensure their satisfaction and build relationships

  • Ensure that all of the necessary permissions and paperwork required by the bar are in order

  • Create the work schedule for the bar staff

  • Maintain inventory of selling items, order supplies when needed and negotiate with vendors

  • Decide the bar menu, experiment with new drinks and figure out what's working and what's not

  • Planning promotional or personal events to uphold the reputation and popularity of a bar

  • Performing regular checks to ensure cleanliness and hygiene etc

Eligibility to become Bar Manager

The following table explains the requirements one has to fulfil to become a Bar Manager.

Education
  • A Bar Manager is required to have at least a bachelor's degree in related fields such as hotel management, culinary arts, catering technology etc.
  • Additionally, Bar Managers may also be required to have completed a certificate course in Mixology or similar areas.
  • A postgraduate degree is rarely a requirement when it comes to bar managers.
  • Some establishments may even consider candidates with Class 12th education plus relevant work experience for this job profile.
Work Experience
  • Having relevant work experience is necessary to become a bar manager.
  • Candidates are required to have practical experience of working in a bar and good skills in mixing drinks.
  • The work experience required varies but at least 5 years of experience is required by most roles in prominent places.
Skills
  • Bar Managers must have excellent knowledge of different cocktails and mocktails. They must be good with mixing drinks.
  • Good interpersonal thinking with an outward and charming personality, and ability to cordially handle drunk patrons is a must.
  • Leadership capabilities are required for the role.
  • Good physical fitness is necessary as bar managers are required to stay on their feet for long hours and they may also be required to perform physical tasks.
  • Bar Managers must also be prepared to take up operational roles and must be able to think on their feet.

Courses To Become a Bar Manager

The following courses can be considered by candidates who wish to become a Bar Manager.

CourseAverage FeeBHMCT Colleges in India
Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (BHMCT)Rs. 2.5 - 3 lacs
Rs. 3 - 4 lacs
Bartending Courses--
Rs. 3 - 3.6 lacs

If you need help with admission to hotel management colleges, fill the Common Application Form (CAF). Call our helpline number 18005729877 if you have any questions.

Types of Job Roles Bar Manager

The following job roles are commonly associated with or similar to that of a Bar Manager.

  • Restaurant Manager

  • Floor Manager

  • Bartender

  • Bar Server

  • Food and Beverage Manager etc.

Employment Sector/Industry for Bar Manager

Bar Managers are a common job profile in the hospitality industry. There are ample career opportunities available in the ever-expanding hospitality businesses and private catering services. However, good career opportunities can mostly only be found in major cities or tourist spots. Given below are some common areas of employment for Bar Managers.

  • Drinking Places (Bars / Pubs / Clubs)
  • Restaurants / Fine-Dining Places
  • Hotels and Motels
  • Cruise Ships
  • Tourist Resorts etc.

The following pie-char contains an approximate distribution of employment opportunities available for Bar Managers across various industries.

For any queries regarding how to become a Bar Manager, please feel free to write to us on the CollegeDekho QnA Zone.

Planning to choose Bar Manager as your career?

Pay Scale/Salary of Bar Manager

The following information can be checked regarding the average salary details of a Bar Manager and other related careers.

Job ProfileAverage1 - 3 years5 - 7 years10 - 12 years
Bar ManagerRs. 6.25 LPARs. 4.50 LPARs. 5.25 LPARs. 7.50 LPA
Restaurant ManagerRs. 4.10 LPARs. 3.50 LPARs. 4.00 LPARs. 5.00 LPA
Food and Beverage ManagerRs. 5.55 LPARs. 3.60 LPARs. 5.10 LPARs. 6.00 LPA

 

Books & Study Material to Become Bar Manager

Given below are some of the best books that every Bar Manager should have on their shelf.

  • Straight Up: Real World Secrets to Running a Killer Bar by Ramona Pettygrave Shah
  • The 21 Laws of Owning and Running a Bar by Dave Allred
  • The Bar Manager’s Guide To Controlling Costs: How To Eliminate Theft And Waste by Thomas Morrell
  • Restaurant & Bar Marketing: The no bulls#it Guide To Improving Guest Counts by Erik Shellenberger
  • Trendy Bar & Nightclub Business Startup: How to Start, Run and Grow a Successful Bar & Tavern Business by Michael Sanders

Pros of becoming a Bar Manager

  • Best career opportunities lie in happening cities known for their party culture
  • Interact with new and interesting people daily
  • It is easy to relocate as restaurants and bars can be found in every city

Cons of becoming a Bar Manager

  • There is an overall lack of job security in the industry.
  • You have to deal with drunk and rude guests on a daily basis.
  • Job requires you to stay on your feet almost throughout the day.

Do you think this is the right career choice for you?

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FAQs about Bar Manager

Is Bar Manager a good career?

Yes, Bar Manager is a good career as there are plenty of job opportunities in almost all major cities. However, the best and well-paying career opportunities can only be found in top cities and the job can get a bit hectic.

What skills must a good Bar Manager have?

A good Bar Manager should have excellent verbal communication skills, charming personality, cordial behaviour, problem-solving attitude, flexibility of approach and schedule. He/She should also be an effective leader and be able to supervise the operations of his/her team.

Is work experience mandatory to become a Bar Manager?

Yes, usually around 5 years of experience in a bartending or related role is necessary for becoming a Bar Manager.

What are the major areas of employment for Bar Managers?

Bar Managers are hired by hospitality establishments such as Bars, Restaurants, Pubs, Hotels, Cruise Ships, Tourist Resorts etc.

How much salary does a Bar Manager earn?

The average salary earned by a Bar Manager in India is around Rs. 6,25,000.

Is there any entrance exam for admission in a Bartending course?

Admissions to bartending courses are done directly based on merit of candidates in the qualifying exam. Colleges, however, may conduct personal interviews for granting final admission.

What is the minimum eligibility required to take up a bartending course?

The minimum eligibility criteria for admission to bartending courses is Class 12th from a recognized board with passing marks in all subjects.

What are the courses that can be pursued to become a Bar Manager?

In order to become a Bar Manager, one can pursue undergraduate courses in hotel management, culinary arts or catering along with certificate or add-on courses in bartending.

What kind of responsibilities does a Bar Manager have to perform?

The responsibilities of a Bar Manager include hiring of staff, creating schedules, ordering equipment and ingredients, ensuring that the bar is following safety and hygiene standards, maintaining the quality of products and ensuring customer satisfaction.

What is the role of a Bar Manager?

The role of a Bar Manager is to supervise the daily operations, growth and planning of a bar.

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