Moreover, does this mean that he owns a building where alcohol may be served (a pub/ public house in British-English)?

Usually there is a distinction in British-English between "a pub "(the whole building and business) versus "a bar" (a counter inside the building where one may order alcohol).

Even more confusingly, in recent years people have started referring to certain types of places where alcohol is served as "bars". These are usually more expensive upmarket places which often serve cocktails.