Here are our top tips for hosting successful live music events in your pub (from Morning Advertiser):
KNOW YOUR AREA
make sure you know about other music venues in your local area and the kind of music they have
avoid putting on the same bands/acts as the pub nearby - you will only split your audience
Respect your area - be aware of your neighbours, deal with any complaints in the proper manner to protect your licence and the pub's reputation
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
What kind of music do your customers want? Do your research - ask them, customer survey
Are you trying to appeal to new clientele or to give current customers another reason to visit?
Try to find your niche, offer something different to set you apart from the rest in your locality, maybe a band that will be exclusive to you
Keep it simple - build a reputation for one type of music or event to start with to attract a regular and loyal clientele
Open mic or free-form jam nights are an ideal introduction to hosting live music - equipment required is minimal and can drum up mid-week trade with a bit of customer participation
Consider acoustic music - it is less likely to lead to noise complaints, takes up less space and tends to appeal to an older audience
KNOW THE LAW
Check that live music is allowed under your licence (particularly since licences were changed in 2005), if not you will need to go through the variation process
carry out a noise nuisance risk assessment and have evidence of this and sound controls
Work out the times you are going to present the music and stick to them
Performing Right Society - inform the PRS of your live music, you will be required to pay for copyright, failing to do so could cost you double!
If a sound limiter is stipulated, use it. Responsibility for noise abatement is legally yours, not the band's
Be aware of the impact of constant exposure to loud music on you and your staff - issue ear plugs if necessary
Have an underage policy in place and make sure staff are vigilant - live music nights tend to attract under age drinkers
THE RIGHT TEAM
You've got to love music yourself and be committed - it may not work every time so constantly review to improve
Employ staff who love music too - they need to enjoy a loud, fast-moving environment
You may need part-time sound engineers for larger venues
Enthusiastic staff will hand out flyers for you, sell more drinks at the bar and persuade customers to come back
THE RIGHT BUDGET
Make sure you can afford to pay the band's fee from additional bar sales - know how much beer you can realistically sell during the event and then calculate how much you can spend on a band
Larger venues can charge an entry fee at the door and pay the band a proportion
Avoid 'pay-to-play' where bands have to sell a certain amount of tickets to play
Be realistic - sometimes charging little or having a free gig will earn you more from drinks sales
Make sure you have enough staff to serve customers quickly - include staff costs in your budget
MAKING THE EVENT A SUCCESS
Marketing is everything - put up posters, hand out flyers, send out emails, contact local papers & gig guides and get your pub a website! Make sure your customers and potential customers are aware, update your details regularly and use the most effective marketing routes for your pub
Schedule events carefully - midweek events can be an effective draw for new customers if you are already busy at weekends
You can book bands through a promoter sourced via the internet or local press (choose a reputable one you can trust and communicate well with). Although an extra expense the promoter will know the right bands in your area and add credibility to your live music event
Listen to a band's demo before booking them
The level of investment in equipment should match the level of your involvement with live music
Have a contingency plan for faulty equipment on the night and always do a sound check first
Put drinks on offer to drive sales, partner brands linked to music to add credibility
Have food available throughout the event, even something simple such as toasties or pizza- think of those extra profits! Go to our Do Events page for our suggested menu
Keep your pub clean and inviting, your lines cleaned, soap in the toilets and staff smiling- show your new customers what a nice place you have so they'll want to return during quieter periods
