Version: December 2025
Policy Overview
The aim of this policy is to ensure a consistent approach to sampling food and liquor products and to reward colleagues on an ad hoc basis with a drink after the venue has closed.
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Definitions
- Purpose
- Sampling Guidelines
- Site-Based Reward
- Pub Support Centre Reward
- Non-Compliance
Roles and Responsibilities
- Colleague: Comply with this policy and associated policies.
- Line Manager: Ensure only eligible colleagues benefit and all conditions are met.
- ER Support / HRBP: Available to provide advice.
Definitions
- Sampling: Taking representative portions of food or drink to assess quality and standards.
- Reward: Something given in recognition of hard work, service, or achievement.
Purpose
This policy aims to:
- Establish clear and consistent guidelines on product sampling.
- Allow managers to responsibly reward team members with drinks.
- Enable brand owners to showcase their products to colleagues.
- Ensure all activity is transparent and auditable.
Applies to all colleagues, including contractors (e.g., door staff, DJs). Does not apply to friends, relatives, or non-retail colleagues.
Sampling Guidelines
For Managed Operations:
- Sampling must occur at organised training sessions (e.g., wine tastings, cook-offs).
- Consumption should be registered in line with Stock and Cash Policy.
- Food sampling for quality checks must be agreed with Area Manager.
- Drink sampling limited to minimum necessary amounts:
- 100ml for beers, wines, ciders.
- 25ml for spirits.
Example
An Area Manager orders new dishes and cocktails to check quality and provides feedback after tasting small amounts.
Site-Based Reward
Rules for rewarding colleagues with a drink after work:
- No more than one drink per colleague.
- Drinks processed through the till at full value and paid by management.
- No alcohol while on duty.
- Colleagues may remain on site for up to 90 minutes after closing.
- No gaming or gambling activities allowed.
- Ensure quiet departure to avoid licence issues.
Example
A GM rewards the team with one drink after a busy shift, ensuring compliance with Stock and Cash Policy and licensing hours.
Pub Support Centre Reward
Rules for organised social events or supplier-funded drinks:
- Event must be outside normal working hours.
- Comply with Alcohol and Drugs Policy and Socialising Policy.
- Only entitled to drinks on offer.
- Leave the centre by 8pm and keep the area tidy.
Example
A Halloween event includes sampling a new cider after work. Drinks are limited and permission required for taking unopened drinks home.
Non-Compliance
Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.
External Support
- Licensed Trade Charity: 0808 801 0550
- ACAS
- Citizens Advice
Associated Policies
- Absence Policy
- Alcohol and Drugs Policy
- Bullying and Harassment Policy
- Code of Conduct
- Disciplinary Policy
- Expenses Policy
- Stock and Cash Policy
- Socialising at Stonegate Policy