Go for it. Why ever not? There's been loads of advice about pensions and whatever but Guest's warnings are heavily weighted towards temperance. I say, think for yourself - drunkenness is not the way of all the world nowadays and pubs are much more than just a place to get drunk. Has "Guest" never actually enjoyed going into a "local" when people are there to enjoy the chat and the company. Sad for him. Drink is enjoyable at the pub BUT often incidental. As the publican anyway, you will (I hope) have the right to serve or not to serve people according to your own assessment of their ability to cope / whether they have to drive etc . . . . whatever. Don't live your life in a job you loathe? Imagine - ten years down the line if you stay where you are . .. another 10 years of hating what you do? another 10 years of kicking yourself for not making a change. If being a publican appeals to you - try it. It's not the end of the world if - after a year or so - you decide it's not for you. But if it is - what a great future - goodbye to that awful job and hello to something where it's your own personality up for all to see, where YOU make it work. Get out now. Life does not wait around . . . and you only have one life.