The UK could soon boast service standards in pubs and bars that mirror those on the continent after the launch of a new training qualification for barstaff.
The Professional Barperson's Qualification (PBQ) was launched on Monday at The Publican sponsored Pub & Bar show in a bid to drive up service standards in the UK by investing more money into training for barstaff.
It is also hoped that the British Institute of Innkeeping qualification will boost morale within the trade and improve staff retention.
The BII's director of qualifications, Cathie Smith, said: "We are responding to demand from the industry for a national benchmark of knowledge for barstaff.
"This will make a huge difference to the industry. It will be a great benefit to licensees especially when it comes to staff retention."
Wizard Inns has already trained some of its staff to PBQ level and the company's Julian Sargeson said it had made a real difference - even improving sales by more than 20 per cent at two of its outlets.
But not everybody was convinced. One pub company source, who wished to remain nameless, said it was a good idea but would prove too costly for many pub companies.
The new qualification combines the Barpersons National Certificate (BNC) and a new Customer and Drinks Service unit. The BNC was launched last year and teaches staff the basics of licensing law, whereas the Customer and Drinks Service unit concentrates on customer service and selling skills.