The short answer is yes, as the licensee of your pub, you can bar anyone from your pub because it’s private property.
You also have the right to refuse service.
However, before you go all “Peggy Mitchell” there are some things you should be aware of, especially in the world we live in today.
Your decision to bar someone must comply with UK law, particularly the Equality Act 2010, you can’t make this decision based on protected characteristics like race, gender, or disability.
Your Rights as the Licensee
You have the legal right to decide who can and cannot enter your pub.
The same goes for refusing service.
Some reasons to bar someone or refuse service could include: drunkenness, disruptive behavior, or failing to follow your pub’s rules.
However to keep a professional reputation as a landlord or landlady, your rules need to be distributed fairly and consistently. Set the standards from the start and stick to your rules.
Never bar someone for discriminatory reasons. The Equality Act 2010 makes it illegal to refuse entry based on characteristics like race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability.
For example, barring someone purely because of their skin colour would land you in serious legal trouble and in 2025 could see you behind another type of bars.
Recording Incidents to Protect Yourself
I’ve not had to bar anyone from my pub in the last three years, but here’s how I’d advise you proceed if you do.
Keep a detailed record of every incident. This not only protects you legally but also shows professionalism if your decision is ever challenged.
- Date and Time: Write down when the incident happened.
- Details: Be specific about what occurred, what behaviour or reason led to the barring?
- Witnesses: Get statements from staff or customers to the events that led to the barring.
- CCTV Evidence: If you’ve got CCTV cameras onsite, save any relevant footage for future reference.
The goal is to prove that your decision was based on behavior, not personal bias. This is especially important if you could potentially face accusations of discrimination.
Make sure your pub’s rules are clear to everyone. Apply them fairly and consistently. If you need to bar someone, communicate your decision politely but firmly, sticking to facts about their behavior rather than personal traits. Don’t bar someone for piddling in your plant pots one week then let your friend off for the same behaviour the week afterwards!
References
Equality Act 2010 – Legislation.gov.uk
Poppleston Allen Licensing Solicitors
Gov.uk – Equality Act Guidance
By following these guidelines , you can protect yourself and your reputation while keeping your pub a nice, safe place to visit. Free of drama.
Other common pub law and policy questions
Can a pub buy alcohol from a supermarket to resell?
Are Children Allowed in UK Pubs?
Are dogs allowed in pubs & restaurants in the UK?
Does a Pub Have To Display Price Lists?
Can a Pub Refuse Or Charge For Tap Water?
I’ve spent over 20 years in the pub trade, starting at 21 when a family friend mentored me as a trainee manager. Since then, I’ve run two bars in Spain, worked in countless pubs, and now manage my own in Lincolnshire, where we’ve earned several awards, including CAMRA’s Pub of the Season and Community Pub Hero at the Houses of Parliament. Running a pub comes with its challenges, and if I could go back, I’d tell myself to slow down and find a mentor. My goal is to keep bringing the community together, win more awards, and help others avoid the pitfalls I’ve faced. Got a question? Reach out—I’m here to help!
– Steve