If your pub business is struggling or steadily losing money, you’re not alone. From rising costs to shifting customer habits and competitive pressure, many pubs and bars are facing a harsh reality in today’s market. But the good news? A failing pub can absolutely be revived with the right analysis, adjustments, and tools—including the strategic use of technology like top POS software.

This ultimate guide is tailored to pub and bar owners who want to stop the decline and steer their business toward growth. We’ll explore internal and external factors, with actionable insights specific to the pub industry, complete with checklists, mock case studies, and expert advice.

Introduction: A Pint Away from a Turnaround

Take the fictional example of The Brass Anchor, a cozy pub tucked in a coastal town that had been losing foot traffic, suffering from inconsistent staff behavior, and hemorrhaging profits due to untracked giveaways and inventory issues. After applying targeted strategies using bar analytics and top POS software, they rebounded in 90 days, increasing revenue by 32%.

This could be your story, too.

This guide is built to help you:

  • Identify and correct internal performance issues
  • Gauge and respond to external market shifts
  • Leverage modern POS software to gain real-time insights
  • Engage your local community and boost loyalty

Part 1: Internal Factors That Can Sink or Save a Pub

1. Employee Productivity and Accountability

Your staff should be your pub’s ambassadors. If they drag their feet, show up late, or offer poor service, you’re not just losing customers—you’re building bad word of mouth.

How to improve it:

  • Use top POS software with employee tracking to monitor clock-ins, sales performance, and voids.
  • Assign KPIs: sales per shift, upsells, and guest reviews.
  • Introduce reward programs and progressive discipline systems.

Tool: Employee Accountability Tracker (Downloadable Worksheet)

2. Customer Service Evaluation: What Guests Say vs. What You See

In hospitality, perception is reality. Ask:

  • Are your staff trained in conflict resolution?
  • Are you getting repeat customers or one-time visitors?

How to track:

  • Launch a feedback loop (QR code surveys, post-visit emails)
  • Install mystery shopper programs

3. Checkout Errors: Innocent Mistakes or Lost Revenue?

A few missed drinks here and there can add up to thousands.

Strategies:

  • Use POS systems with permissions and logging.
  • Print and review daily discrepancy reports.
  • Limit who can give comps or process voids.

4. Employee Theft or Embezzlement: Addressing the Unspoken

It’s uncomfortable but necessary. Signs include:

  • Register “no-sales”
  • Voids during rush hours
  • Unaccounted inventory shrinkage

Action Plan:

  • Set up blind drops and end-of-shift audits
  • Rotate shift managers
  • Install discreet surveillance (only in permitted zones)

5. Outdated Offerings: When Your Menu Stops Resonating

Review trends quarterly:

  • Is your beer selection local enough?
  • Do your cocktails reflect modern tastes?
  • Is your menu bloated with poor sellers?

Data Tip: Use your POS sales reporting to do a menu matrix: High Sales/High Margin vs. Low Sales/Low Margin.

Part 2: External Pressures You Can Adapt To

6. Neighborhood Foot Traffic: Is It Drying Up?

Using tools like Google Mobility Data, you can assess local traffic trends.

Solutions:

  • Add better sidewalk signage
  • Partner with nearby events (music, art walks)
  • Offer pre-event specials

7. Your Digital Storefront: Does It Even Exist?

If you’re not visible on Google Maps, social media, or TripAdvisor, you’re invisible to tourists and newcomers.

Checklist:

  • Claim your Google Business Profile
  • Ensure consistency in name, address, phone, and hours
  • Post weekly: event flyers, drink specials, behind-the-scenes shots

8. Local Competition: Learn or Lose

Spy (respectfully) on the top-rated pubs in your area.

Questions to ask:

  • What makes them popular?
  • Are they offering themed nights, better ambiance, or exclusive drinks?

Then take their successful formula and put your unique spin on it.

9. Macroeconomic & Microeconomic Realities

Inflation? Staff shortages? Rent increases?

Mitigation Tactics:

  • Negotiate supplier deals
  • Reduce operating days (if needed)
  • Focus on profitable menu items using top POS software reporting

Part 3: Tools and Data-Driven Rescue Strategy

10. Let the POS System Guide You

Features to use immediately:

  • Sales heatmaps
  • Employee performance dashboards
  • Inventory depletion trends

Top POS software will give you real-time insights for smarter decisions.

11. 30-Day Pub Rescue Checklist

Week 1:

  • Audit your top 10 selling and least-selling items
  • Analyze foot traffic (Google Maps + in-person logs)

Week 2:

  • Replace 3 low-sellers on the menu
  • Post a Google review request card with every receipt

Week 3:

  • Host a themed night with live music
  • Reward 3 best-performing staff

Week 4:

  • Launch a loyalty program using POS-integrated tools
  • Track and compare revenue vs. baseline

Visual Aids

  1. Internal vs External Factors Chart
  2. Sales Matrix: Menu Optimization Diagram
  3. Foot Traffic Recovery Funnel (Local Marketing Map)
  4. Pub Business Self-Assessment Worksheet (Downloadable)
  5. Interactive Calculator: Are You Bleeding Money at Checkout?

Fictional Author Bio

By James Riley
James Riley is a hospitality operations expert and lead product developer at Alexandria Computers. With over 15 years in the food and beverage tech space, James has helped over 500 independent pubs and bars streamline operations, reduce shrinkage, and drive profitable growth through custom POS software solutions. His work is inspired by real conversations with business owners navigating the pressures of today’s competitive hospitality market.

Reputable References

  • National Restaurant Association: www.restaurant.org
  • IBISWorld Industry Report on Bars & Nightclubs
  • Toast POS Bar Benchmark Reports
  • Harvard Business Review: “Why Your Bar Staff Might Be Sabotaging You”
  • Google Business Insights & Mobility Reports

Conclusion: Your Pub Isn’t Doomed — It’s at a Crossroads

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You need:

  • Clear eyes on what’s not working
  • Courage to address uncomfortable truths
  • Tools that give you data, accountability, and automation

With this guide, you’re not just fighting for survival — you’re crafting your comeback story. With focus, determination, and the help of top POS software, your pub can thrive again.

Try Alexandria’s Free Bar POS Software Today

At www.alexandriacomputers.com, our Bar POS Software is designed for pub owners just like you. Track sales, manage staff, optimize inventory, and simplify reporting. Download a free version today, or schedule a demo to see how we can support your comeback.