Bar Manager

Bar Manager – Sweeties Beerhall, Long Street Backpackers (Cape Town)

Location: Long Street Backpackers / Sweeties Beerhall, Cape Town

Job Type: Full-time | 8-hour shifts, including weekends, nights, and public holidays

About the Role:

Sweeties Beerhall at Long Street Backpackers is looking for a hands-on, energetic Bar Manager to take full ownership of our bar's day-to-day operations. This is more than pulling pints — you'll lead the bar team, keep stock and equipment running smoothly, and help create the kind of vibrant, unforgettable atmosphere our guests keep coming back for.

If you love hospitality, thrive under pressure, and know how to bring out the best in a team while keeping things safe, compliant, and fun — we want to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

Team Leadership & Scheduling

• Lead the bar team fairly, building and maintaining the shift schedule with proper coverage at all times
• Ensure punctuality and professional conduct across the team

Stock & Procurement

• Order all bar inputs — drinks, glassware, gas, and consumables
• Run daily stocktakes and report results to senior management
• Safeguard company stock and equipment against misuse

Equipment & Facilities

• Keep all bar equipment in good working order
• Maintain a clean, safe bar and restroom area at all times

Guest Experience & Atmosphere

• Deliver a lively, memorable bar experience that keeps guests coming back
• Develop new drinks, cocktails, and bar games — at least one new offering a month
• Keep noise levels considerate of hostel guests and manage the bar responsibly
• Ensure responsible alcohol service and prevent unauthorised access between the bar and hostel areas

Compliance

• Ensure the bar trades strictly within its liquor licence hours
• Identify and escalate any unlawful activity on the premises

Events & Coordination

• Plan monthly bar events and share the calendar with the wider hostel team in advance
• Maintain positive, respectful relationships with both staff and patrons

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience managing or supervising a bar/hospitality team
• Strong leadership skills with a fair, hands-on management style
• Solid understanding of responsible alcohol service and liquor licensing requirements
• Comfortable working nights, weekends, and public holidays
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• A genuine passion for hospitality and creating great guest experiences

Non-Negotiables

• No alcohol consumption on premises during or off shift (unless authorised)
• No personal use of company equipment, alcohol, or resources
• All incidents must be reported to senior management promptly

Ready to bring the energy and leadership Sweeties Beerhall needs? Apply today!

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Cape Town, Western Cape: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Application Question(s):

• Are you a South African citizen?

Education:

• High School (matric) (Required)

Experience:

• hospitality: 2 years (Required)
• Managerial: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person