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I want to run my own pub but have no experience. What should I do first?

Get a friendly licensee to let you work behind a bar for a week, even if unpaid. You'll soon get a taste for the pub trade. We can arrange for what we call an Inn-Site Weekend with one of our own retailers. Call 01283 507359 for more details.

How do I get a personal licence to sell alcohol?

The process for applying for a personal licence to sell alcohol is fairly straight forward. If you follow our simple step by step guide you should be able to get one quite quickly.

Alternatively our licensing lawyers can handle the process for you for a fee; contact Flint Bishop and Barnet on 01332 226151.

How do most people raise the necessary money to take over a pub?

From savings or investments. We strongly advise you not to sell your home to pay for the business - if things don't work out, you will need the security of your home. But we recognise that because property values have risen greatly in the last few years, you may want to raise money from a property.

That's fine with us - as long as the sums add up.

How do I decide if I have the right skills to run a pub?

We'll be happy to discuss the issue when we meet and we'll give you an honest appraisal. Don't forget that we can help you to get these skills through our skills development programme. Listen to the advice of some of our retailers on our exclusive information DVD which you can order by calling us on 0844 848 3236 (please note that calls on this number may be monitored or recorded for training purposes)

This is far and away the best advice you can get. Ask yourself the far reaching questions they suggest and answer honestly.

I think I have the right qualities but need technical and business advice. Can you help?

Of course. It's in all our interests to make a success of your pub. We provide training in business skills, how to run a cellar, advice on your ideas for money-spinners and a lot, lot more. But you must take independent financial and legal advice so that you are sure your plans are realistic and that you understand what you are taking on.

I'm already managing a pub but want to run my own business. How can you help me?

We have already helped hundreds of our own managers set up their own pub as their own successful business - and we can do the same for you.

You talk about finding the right pub. How do I go about this?

This is absolutely fundamental to your success as a publican and can take longer than you think. Do not rush this process, take the advice given by our retailers on the DVD and see how they handled this crucial step. The most up-to-date information on which pubs we have available is on this website via the pubfinder.

You offer a number of different packages. Which should I choose?

Our pubs are offered on the agreement that we best think is suited to the outlet. However the agreement offered may change when we get to know more about the skills and capabilities of the people who are interested in the pub. Our advice is to be conversant with all our agreements by reading the agreements section on this website in this document and listening to the advice of our publicans on the DVD information pack.

Any other questions?

Please contact our business opportunities co-ordinators on 0844 8483236, who are experts on all aspects of Marston's Pub Company.

Why Marston's Pub Company?

Because we're experts in all areas of the license industry, we want you to succeed; we have great brands, great pubs and great people - and a refreshingly different way of doing business