Banqueting hall with in-house catering

Couples, families, community and cultural groups, and businesses holding dinners or awards nights.

Packages priced per guest covering room hire, food and drinks, plus extras such as decor, AV, cake cutting and late-night hire.

• Event planning and coordination
• Catering or kitchen management
• Managing and rostering casual staff
• Budgeting and costing menus

• Planning and building approvals, fire safety and capacity limits, which vary by state and council
• Food business registration with your local council, a food safety supervisor and food safety rules
• A liquor licence and responsible service of alcohol training for bar staff, set by your state or territory
• Public liability and workers compensation insurance once you hire staff, plus award wages for casual and weekend work
• Large upfront costs and fixed rent, so check you can cover quiet months

Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and kitchen equipment. Large upfront costs and fixed rent mean you should check you can cover quiet months before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on bookings, menus and how often you fill the hall. Treat these as estimates only, and plan for quieter months alongside busy ones.

Things to check include planning and building approvals, fire safety and capacity limits, which vary by state and council. Also check food business registration, a food safety supervisor, a liquor licence, RSA training for bar staff, and insurance.