Public house Insurance is Essential

What you are responsible for as a licensee of a public house may differ, depending upon whether you are leasing the premises from a brewery, agency or private proprietor or if you own the premises outright. Before looking into what you need to insure yourself for as a leaseholder, check with the owner of the property to ensure whether or not you are unnecessarily insuring yourself against an eventuality that is already covered.The buildings insurance should be covered by the landlord as he is most financially vulnerable through affects of subsidence, floods and storm, whereas the licensee may be responsible for the consumables and ongoing maintenance, dependent upon the specific terms of the lease.
As with all retail practises, a publican will need both Public Liability Insurance to protect against claims from customers and third parties who enter the premises. Likewise, Employers Liability Insurance is necessary in order to enable bar staff, cooks and cleaners to carry out their duties in safety, whilst ensuring that the business is also protected against any claim arising from its staff.
There are certain licences that, if a current copy is not held, may jeopardise your protection in the case of a claim.
It is unlikely that you would be granted a lease without one, but always ensure that your license to sell intoxicating liquor, on or off the premises, is always up to date. You can also take extra insurance against losing that license, further protecting your livelihood.
Care of similar documentation concerning the sale of tobacco is also advisable.
As many pubs now have ‘dry’ as well as ‘wet’ sales, i.e. food as well as alcohol and soft drinks, check with the brewery what certification is needed for the cooking and preparation of food. The larger breweries will educate staffs who are likely to have duties in a food preparation zone to at least the minimum Basic Food and Hygiene certificate level; it could be crucial, in light of any claim, that staffs have this who may be involved.
Stock is also a key product to insure. Theft of stock is one thing, either by third parties or staff (it does happen), however, much of a public house’s stock is kept in cellars, below ground. If the worst was to happen and that stock became inaccessible, you would have no business. As well as insuring the protection of this stock, also insure against business interruption in light of any other ongoing claim by or against you being upheld.
Unlike many businesses, pubs still do the majority of their business in cash, so be sure to insure your takings both on the premises and in transit to wherever it will be banked.
In short consider buying some Pub Insurance cover.