Preparing for a trouble-free break, advice from Peter Coulson
This comes to you from an island far away, which appears to be populated almost exclusively by ex-licensees - or is it just that I can spot them a mile off?
This has set me thinking about a recurring problem experienced in this business, which does not seem to be diminishing: what to do with your pub when you want a well-earned rest and a holiday in the sun.
Options include using a reputable relief agency - I wish more licensees would do this - or taking a chance with a friend or senior staff member. If you do decide to entrust your business to someone else, may I suggest a few words of caution.
What to do with your pub when you want a well-earned rest and a holiday in the sun?
One of my recent correspondents contacted a "relief agency", which turned out to be a husband and wife team operating on their own. He met them just once and thought they seemed OK, so he agreed to their running the place for a couple of weeks and asked for a contract... and asked...and asked. Nothing appeared.
The day after the couple headed for the airport (rather unwisely, with no contract actually in place) the so-called team turned up with a document which the barman signed. Whether or not he had authority to sign on their behalf is, of course, extremely dubious, but in the circumstances he thought he was acting for the best.
The basis of this agreement was that the "team" members were entitled to take their "fee" and "expenses" directly out of the till - which is exactly what they proceeded to do. The actual amount had not been agreed and, of course, is in dispute. But now they have the money - and the licensee does not.
What can be done? Clearly, we are talking about a wide range of types of malpractice, from misrepresentation through to downright theft. If money or goods have been taken from the pub, the police may have to become involved. But often, people who do this have excellent ways of covering their tracks and disappearing overnight. Fraud of this kind is, regrettably, a regular occurrence, and it is not peculiar to the licensed trade.
Even if criminal action is not involved, and the relief managers are traceable, it will be very difficult for the licensee to recoup money from them when they can claim that it was agreed or formed part of the contract. And they would undoubtedly resist any claim in respect of cash or stock deficiencies.
As the holidaying landlord is extremely vulnerable, a few tips may help (but not guarantee) a happier time on the beach:
l Start preparations early - leaving engagement of reliefs until the last moment can turn you into easy prey.
l Take up references - don't just take flattering letters at face value. Forgeries are common, and letterheads without telephone numbers are particularly suspect. Make sure you have a contact name.
l Agree all terms properly - no money must be taken from the till, and in any case that is appalling accounting practice. If relief managers ask for money up-front, be suspicious.
l These people will be dealing with large amounts of your cash (and the Government's). A bonding insurance scheme is one way of minimising potential loss. This is widespread practice in the club trade and in my view should be an essential ingredient of relief work. I would like to see it obligatory throughout the sector to give everyone peace of mind.
l If you can, deal with established, well-known agencies or individuals who can produce clear evidence of their competence and who are not wary of being asked searching questions.
Nothing in this life is foolproof. But with the holiday season upon us once again, it makes sound financial sense not to allow yourself to fall prey to sharp practices by leaving your pub in the hands of someone who may be sunning themselves on that same beach next week - at your expense!
