Manager, Tenant or Lessee?
If you are thinking about running a pub, you need to consider which role would you suit you best. The table below examines the options.
| Questions | Freehold | Leasehold | Tenancy |
| What is the difference? | You buy the building and business outright | You pay for the business, fixtures and fittings and rent the building | You buy the fixtures and fittings and rent the building |
| Am I tied to a Brewer or Pub Co? | You own the business, you trade as you wish | You will normally be tied to a Brewery for beer, cider and alcopops, the rest is down to you. | You will normally be tied for all drink supplies and work with the Pub Co to develop the business |
| Do I need experience? | Not essential but lenders like to see some business knowledge | Not essential as most Pub Cos have compulsory training courses | Many Pub Cos have their own courses and many tenants are "first timers" |
| Do I need any qualifications? | Not normally essential but useful to have the BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) and Health and Hygiene Certificates which you would gain on most training courses | Not normally essential but useful to have the BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) and Health and Hygiene Certificates which you would gain on most training courses | Not normally essential but useful to have the BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) and Health and Hygiene Certificates which you would gain on most training courses |
| Can I borrow money? | Generally up to 70% of the purchase price, see our Funding Section | Possibly on well traded operations or if other security is offered then up to 50% loan could be available | No. Possibly overdraft type facility. Tenancies are available for as little as £15,000 |
| How do I get a Licence? | Normally you will apply for a licence/protection order some 2/3 weeks before you take over. Your Solicitor will advise on how to go about this. You will need to have taken a course to confirm your knowledge of the licensing law, the National Licensees Certificate. | Normally you will apply for a licence/protection order some 2/3 weeks before you take over. Your Solicitor will advise on how to go about this. You will need to have taken a course to confirm your knowledge of the licensing law, the National Licensees Certificate. | Normally you will apply for a licence/protection order some 2/3 weeks before you take over. Your Solicitor will advise on how to go about this. You will need to have taken a course to confirm your knowledge of the licensing law, the National Licensees Certificate. |
| What am I buying? | The price is a mix of property and business value | The premium is for fixtures and fittings, existing trade goodwill and value of the lease. | You are buying the fixtures and fittings. The figure is agreed by your Valuer. |
| What is the Rent and Review date for? | You don't pay rent | You rent the building. Most rents are reviewed at regular intervals, maybe 3 or 5 years. There could be annual RPI increases. | The rent is re-negotiated at the end of the term or at regular intervals, maybe 3 or 5 years. |
| Who looks after the property? | The property is entirely you responsibility. | Your lease will normally make you responsible for all repairs and decoration. | Normally you are only responsible for interior repair and decoration. |
| Are there any other costs to pay? | Stock is bought on the day of take-over. Other costs may be Solicitors, Licenses, Stocktaker, Stamp Duty and in some cases VAT. | Probably rent in advance or security deposit as well as stock on the day. Plus Solicitor, Stock-takers, Licenses and if applicable Stamp Duty. | The "Ingoing" quoted normally includes an estimate of stock and takes into account Brokers fees, working capital and security deposit. |