Hiring and Sponsoring Publicans and managers of licensed premises (SOC Code 1223)

Publicans and Managers of Licensed Premises, classified under SOC Code 1223, are key figures in the hospitality and leisure industry, responsible for the effective operation of licensed establishments, such as pubs, bars, and restaurants. Their role encompasses a variety of managerial and supervisory tasks, which include:

• Arranging Purchases: Overseeing the procurement of alcoholic beverages, bar snacks, cigarettes, and other items while ensuring that all stocks are stored in optimal conditions.
• Supervising Staff: Leading and managing bar, kitchen, and cleaning staff, providing guidance and support, and occasionally assisting with the serving of drinks.
• Ensuring Compliance: Observing licensing laws and other statutory regulations, and regulating customer behavior to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment.
• Financial Management: Maintaining financial records for the establishment, determining the financial, staffing, material, and other short- and long-term needs of the venue.

With the UK's dynamic hospitality sector, the demand for skilled publicans and managers is on the rise, prompting many establishments to seek experienced professionals, including those from overseas. This guide will assist HR professionals in understanding the hiring and sponsorship process for publicans and managers under the UK's immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Publicans and managers of licensed premises?

SOC Code 1223 refers to publicans and managers of licensed premises who oversee the operation of bars, pubs, and other establishments serving alcoholic beverages. Their responsibilities can include:

• Arranging procurement: Sourcing and purchasing alcoholic beverages, bar snacks, cigarettes, and other items while ensuring proper stock storage conditions.
• Staff supervision: Overseeing bar, kitchen, and cleaning staff and providing assistance with drink service when necessary.
• Regulating compliance: Ensuring adherence to licensing laws and statutory regulations and managing customer behavior as needed.
• Maintaining financial records: Keeping accurate financial records for the establishment and analyzing revenue and expenses.
• Determining needs: Assessing short- and long-term needs regarding financial, staffing, and material resources for the establishment.

Publicans and managers play a vital role in the hospitality industry, ensuring a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for patrons while managing operational efficiencies and compliance with regulations.

Eligibility to Hire Publicans and managers of licensed premises (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Publicans and managers of licensed premises must possess strong managerial skills and meet specific qualifications. These may include:

• Experience in hospitality: Proven background in managing bars, restaurants, or other licensed establishments is essential.
• Understanding of licensing laws: Knowledge of relevant statutory regulations and the ability to ensure compliance.
• Financial acumen: Experience in maintaining financial records, budgeting, and forecasting for day-to-day operations.
• Inventory management skills: Ability to arrange the purchase of beverages and snacks, and effectively store and manage stock.
• Staff supervision and training: Experience in recruiting, training, and supervising bar, kitchen, and cleaning staff, ensuring smooth operations.
• Customer service expertise: Strong skills in managing customer interactions and ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment.
• Education: While formal qualifications may not be mandatory, a diploma or degree in hospitality management or a related field can be beneficial.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 1223 and that the candidate's experience and skills meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Publicans and managers of licensed premises: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Publicans and managers of licensed premises under SOC Code 1223.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Publicans and managers of licensed premises, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Publicans and managers of licensed premises under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Publicans and managers of licensed premises. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Publicans and managers of licensed premises applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Publicans and managers of licensed premises’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Publicans and managers of licensed premises can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Publicans and managers of licensed premises

Before the Publicans and managers of licensed premises begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Publicans and managers of licensed premises’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Publicans and managers of licensed premises holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Publicans and managers of licensed premises’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Publicans and managers of licensed premises’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Publicans and managers of licensed premisess.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Publicans and managers of licensed premises

Sponsoring Publicans and managers of licensed premises under SOC Code 1223 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Publicans and managers of licensed premises, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Publicans and managers of licensed premises under SOC Code 1223 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.