Hiring staff on a non sims owned community lot?

@Hyeion

Thanks for that extra info and from what you say it appears to be a common occurrence which is really annoying as it spoils the outing somewhat. Oh well that's EA for you :)

@Cinebar

Thanks for that could you tell me how to designate a lot like that please as I am playing sims series 1-4 at the moment with 4 being the least played so I have just about forgotten how to do anything in 4-) I loaded the game up today and noticed the new hoods and lots such as a nightclub, cafe and pool which I assumed were community lots and as such thought they would be staffed automatically by the game but upon my Sim's arrival at these venues there is rarely anyone there serving and as stated earlier if there is they keep disappearing. I don't want to run/own a business yet as I hardly know how to play this series and have just been purchasing the expansion packs when they are on sale so when I decided I wanted to play again everything would all be there ready and waiting :)

Oh and until you said retail shop I have not come across it yet :)