Bar and Pub Employment Contract

What a good one includes

• A clear definition of the specific job role, including side-work expectations like opening and closing duties.
• Explicit details on hourly wages, overtime rates, and how tip pools or tip-outs are calculated and distributed.
• A scheduling clause outlining shift patterns, scheduling notice periods, and expectations for working late nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Mandated requirements for maintaining active alcohol service certifications and obeying local liquor laws.
• A strict protocol detailing staff responsibility for register shortages, cash drawer reconciliation, and point-of-sale usage.
• Explicit guidelines on dress codes, slip-resistant footwear, and hygiene standards required for food and beverage service.
• A defined list of grounds for immediate dismissal, such as drinking on shift, giving away free drinks, or theft.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a generic office contract that fails to address industry-specific realities like tip distribution, shift work, and food hygiene laws.
• Failing to clearly document how tips are split, which leads to internal friction and potential wage-and-hour legal violations.
• Neglecting to write in mandatory compliance with state and local liquor laws, leaving your venue vulnerable if a bartender over-serves a patron.
• Not mandating slip-resistant shoes or proper safety attire in writing, which increases your liability for workplace accidents.

Frequently asked questions