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Business set-up: 3. Equipment
 
It is essential that you find out who owns the equipment that is included in the sale of the business and therefore the inventory.

You need to know if it is owned, leased, rented or on hire purchase and all contract details. In addition you will need to be aware of any equipment maintenance contracts, service agreements, relevant expiry dates and that equipment is working correctly.
 
Also request valid test certificates to ensure safety.

Use the following as a guide to the type of equipment involved:

Equipment

Tasks/Questions to Ask

All kitchen equipment Try to find out the origin of supply and how old the equipment is. This will give you a better idea as to how long it may last.
Extraction fans How do they work? How effective are they? When were they last cleaned?
Coffee machines How old and effective are they? Coffee supplier?
Fridges and freezers How old and effective are they? Inspect seals. How do they defrost?
Wine cabinet Is the wine being chilled enough? Does it look attractive?
Ice maker Is the capacity enough? Is the shape of the ice adequate?
Glass washer Is it effective? Smear free glasses? Is the capacity enough? Detergent supplier? Is there enough racking? Insist on a demonstration.
Dispense equipment Punch Taverns do not have their own team of dispense technicians but use our brand suppliers to provide service cover to our outlets. When you require installation work or need repairs to equipment or help with product faults or dispense difficulties, representatives from our drinks suppliers can be called in.
Cellar cooling How old and effective is it? Supplier contact and / or maintenance number?
Toilet hygiene Air fresheners? Soap dispensers?
Condom machines / sanitary towel machines / hand-dryers Ownership? Terms? Are they effective?
TV and Sky Ownership? Terms? Correct licenses? A Sky permit for public viewing is calculated on your rateable value and can start at £75 per month. This is a significant cost, so be sure it is necessary.
Audio equipment / juke box Ownership? Quality? Correct offer?
Pool table / Amusement machines Ownership? Terms? Necessary? Control? Written permission from Punch Taverns?
Cigarette machines Terms? Brands? Supplier?
Tills / EPOS Supplier? Maintenance? 
Fire extinguishers Are they adequate? When were they last serviced?
Burglar alarm / emergency lighting Understand its operation. Last time serviced? How to change code?
Safe Consider changing the lock.
Ventilation system Understand its operation. Is it effective? When was it last cleaned and serviced? Supplier?
Central heating Understand its operation. Is it effective? How old is the boiler? Service / maintenance?
Garden equipment What is its state of repair? Is it safe?
Generators / septic tanks / oil tanks / gas cylinders Understand their operation. Are they safe?
        
 
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