Released on: December 1, 2007, 3:43 am

Press Release Author: Alexandra Lewis

Industry:

Press Release Summary: Bar owners who train up savvy staff on how to pick out a
crisp Pinot Grigio or recommend the best English vintage are most likely to reap the
benefits of the smoking ban on 1 July, according to Aon's Vine to Wine report
launched today.

Press Release Body: Bar owners who train up savvy staff on how to pick out a crisp
Pinot Grigio or recommend the best English vintage are most likely to reap the
benefits of the smoking ban on 1 July, according to Aon's Vine to Wine report
launched today.

Since the smoking ban was introduced in Scotland in March 2006, wine sales in pubs
are up by 8% (AC Nielsen). Coupled with the smoking ban, Liam Dolan, principal
consultant at Aon HR Solutions, believes there are new opportunities to seize upon
in England, with 72% of wine drinkers already consuming wine in pubs (Wine
Intelligence).

He commented: "With just six weeks to go, it's not too late for pubs to take
advantage of the ban. Countries such as Italy and Ireland have benefitted by
catering for the new audience of increasingly sophisticated wine drinkers. We've
already seen a change in UK culture, with pubs becoming more family orientated and
the evolution of gastropubs, who offer a higher quality food and wines. Just 10
years ago, you'd be offered sweet or dry wine but now you're more likely to have a
choice of 20 wines from France to the New World.

"Consequently, the new wine drinking customer base will expect better knowledge from
bar staff of the drinks they serve. This means pubs and bars need to shift their
focus to training their employees to help boost revenues."

Some larger pub chains are already seeing the benefits of more staff training
through better staff morale and customer satisfaction, the report found. Liam said:
"As employers come to terms with longer opening hours and the smoking ban, training
can allow employers to capitalise on the new operating environment."

Training can be delivered simply but effectively, including:

* wine tastings for the team to try out the wine list and understand grape
varieties
* regions etc, plus enabling them to enjoy the products and make recommendations
* training booklets on health & safety, underage drinking etc
* partnering new recruits with experienced employees so they can learn on the job

Employers are urged to consider their business objectives during the recruitment
process as well. Liam added: "Does this interviewee want to learn and deliver good
customer service? If you hire the right people, based on attitude and behaviour in
addition to previous experience, it will benefit the business. It will also reduce
the likelihood of needing to re-recruit."high
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