Top tips for making pool pay
lEnsure equipment is in good order Nothing annoys players more than poor equipment bent cues and those with poor or no tips are definite loss makers. So too is not having enough chalk nobody wants to wander around the tables looking for a chalk cube which also means the table is occupied for a longer period, potentially lessening machine income. The baize also needs careful attention. Leading cloth manufacturer Hainsworth recommends daily brushing of the baize with short, sharp sweeps working along the direction of the nap from the D-end towards the spot end. Lifting the brush at the end of each stroke raises dust from the baize. It takes just three minutes to brush a table and Hainsworth also recommends ironing once a week to restore the baize. These steps should improve ball speed, extend cloth life and increase playing pleasure.
lRegularly check the playing surface is horizontal Use a good quality spirit level and adjust, if necessary.
lMake sure the cue racks aren't broken How many do you see where the cues' retaining clips are broken or missing?
lcheck lighting is UP TO SCRATCH Good lighting is essential although you don't necessarily need special task lights over the tables.
lcater for customers' needs A lot of pool players are smokers so have plenty of ashtrays dotted around to stop the temptation of players smoking while cueing, with the inherent risk of ash dropping on to the table. Likewise, remove the temptation of glasses or bottles being placed on top of the cushions by having shelves or drinks tables placed conveniently nearby.
lEnsure good housekeeping principles In many pubs, pool is played in an area away from the main bar areas. Patrol the area regularly to remove empty glasses, clean ashtrays and make it inviting for customers.
ldrum up custom on quieter nights Ways to do this include killer pool or speed potting competitions; mixed team tournaments to encourage more women to participate; and "singles" fun nights where couples are paired by picking names out of a hat. If pubs want to join a league, the English Pool Association will supply details of how to do so. Pubs that don't want to join a league, but have the players, should contact their pubco or brewer to find out the names of pubs in their region that would be interested in regular matches. Licensees of town-centre pubs could well consider running an early-evening mini-knock-out tournament or a mini-league among customers who have called in for a drink on their way home. If there are local businesses and office workers located nearby, question them on whether they would be interested in early-evening matches with other firms.
lPROMOTE YOUR POOL Advertise competitions and fun nights with posters and A-boards both inside and outside, and stick to certain trading sessions so that they become routine fixtures for customers.
