Prepare for your next busy weekend by following these five simple steps that will help ensure you take advantage of this money-making opportunity while protecting people and your premises.
1. Estimating customer volume
Knowing how many people you’re likely to serve helps you plan staff shifts, stock levels and seating arrangements effectively. Look back at previous weekends, noting any spikes and evaluating what caused them, using this information to create a rough forecast for the rest of the year. This will reduce the likelihood of you being caught out and running short on supplies or staff numbers.
2. Meeting H&S regulations
Busy weekends can test your adherence to health and safety rules. For example, it’s tempting to squeeze in extra tables to accept more customers rather than turning people away. However, this could compromise the maximum capacity of your business premises and risk endangering lives in an emergency.
Ensure all exits are clearly marked and unobstructed with clear pathways to them, and check that fire safety equipment is up to date. Train your team to be proactive with things like spills and to watch out for potential hazards. Failing to meet legal health and safety requirements could lead to costly fines or closure.
3. Safeguarding against accidents
Having more people in a space naturally increases the chance of accidents happening. Objects like handbags on the floor can cause trips, and staff rushing to serve customers are more prone to slipping behind the bar. Creating and maintaining a clear plan can help mitigate accidents, even during busy periods.
Take measures to reduce clutter, such as having a cloakroom for bulky coats and backpacks. A one-way system can encourage orderly queuing for the bar and avoid drink spillages. Encourage staff to remain vigilant for hazards and overcrowding so they can spot dangers before they cause harm.
With the best will in the world, you can’t prevent accidents from happening. A comprehensive pub insurance policy could give you some financial protection should incidents such as property damage, theft or injury claims occur.
4. Managing alcohol-related issues
As a pub owner, you’ll be all too familiar with alcohol causing impaired judgement and irrational mood swings. Train your team to spot early signs of intoxication and to deal with difficult situations calmly and confidently, defusing potentially problematic situations before they become dangerous. For example, unruly customers should be offered water or food, or politely asked to leave.
Ensure patrons are aware of your rules upon entry and reinforce that rudeness to staff or other customers will not be tolerated. Consider hiring security staff for particularly busy weekends. They can monitor people coming in and escort patrons off the premises if necessary.
5. Maximising profits
While maintaining safety and service quality, you’ll want to ensure your elevated weekend trade boosts your profits as much as possible.
Promotions tailored to the weekend crowd can drive sales. For example, offering a discounted pint or two-for-one cocktails during early evening hours encourages more visitors when business is often slower. Pairing meals with drinks or hosting quiz nights can keep people in your pub longer, increasing spend per head.