Club Bar Info

This sets out how our club bar is managed and operated for the benefit of all of our members.

The bar originally opened up in the late 1970's and was later extended in the early 1980's and remained as such up until 2015 when it was completely refurbished.  

In the old days the bar was only open a couple of nights a week and paid staff used to run it. In more recent years the bar has been run by volunteers against a shift rota, however now it is run completely by authorised members opening it up on an ad-hoc basis, to enable them to enjoy a drink after a game, while at the same time to serve other members who may also like some refreshments. With over 40 members trained to open the bar, it is often open during the early midweek evenings and later on Fridays.  

Any trusted member over 18 can ask to be trained up for opening the bar. Just send an email to fairoaksquashbar@gmail.com 

All bar authorised members need to commit to operating it, in compliance with the regulations contained within the Licencing Act. Our bar is no different to any other licenced bar when the shutters are up and our policy sets out how it should be staffed and run to ensure that we stay within the law, as well as keeping the bar itself clean and tidy and all stock accounted for. 

The bar has always been operated and managed on the basis that the income generated from sales, should cover all the costs associated with it, including;

• All stock of drinks, snacks, tea and coffee

• Purchase and upkeep of all equipment, including fridges, glasswasher, glasses etc and bar furniture and hardware

• Card payment fees 

In other words the bar and all activity associated with it should cover it's own costs and also generate some additional income for the club.

On that basis we price our drinks and snacks with a small mark up, sufficient enough to achieve the above objectives, but also to provide members with prices that are markedly cheaper than local pubs.  We closely monitor wholesale prices and as a guide we add around £1 to the wholesale price of beer and wine, £0.60 to soft drinks and up to £0.30p on most snacks, across the range to keep it simple.  Therefore it isn't difficult to see that once bar costs are covered, there is quite limited additional income available. 

We have to buy bar stock from a trade wholesale supplier who is able to supply and deliver in the quantities needed. Contrary to what many people think, prices are no better and often can be higher that you will see in supermarkets. 

We thank our bar volunteers for helping us maintain a great club facility to be enjoyed by all members.

If you have any questions relating to anything around the bar, please ask.