Taproom brewpub in an industrial unit

Craft beer fans, local workers, weekend visitors, groups booking the space, and customers buying takeaway beer.

Beer sold by the glass and to take home in cans, bottles or growlers, plus food sales or a share of partner food sales. Events and private bookings add extra income.

• Brewing skills or a skilled brewer on the team
• Running a small venue and managing staff
• Marketing to a local following

• Industrial zoning may limit public access or trading hours, so check with your local council before signing a lease
• Liquor licence type and conditions in your state or territory, including limits on trading hours and patron numbers
• Excise and brewing requirements with the Australian Taxation Office, including any small brewer concessions
• Food business registration with the council, including rules if food trucks trade on your site
• Noise, parking, waste water and fire safety requirements for the unit
• Public liability and property insurance, and workers compensation once you hire

Startup costs are typically around $150,000 to $600,000, depending on the unit, brewing equipment and taproom fit-out. These are estimates, and a simple food setup may keep the build lighter than a full pub.

Check with your local council whether industrial zoning limits public access or trading hours before signing a lease. Also check liquor licence conditions, ATO excise requirements, food business registration, and noise, parking, waste water and fire safety rules.

Monthly revenue is typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on location, opening hours and how many customers you attract. The estimate assumes at least about 40 hours a week. These are estimates, not guarantees.