Small neighbourhood cocktail bar
Open a compact bar serving made-to-order cocktails to locals, after-work crowds and weekend groups.
- A$80k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small licensed venue with a short, well-made cocktail menu, a few wines and beers, and a distinct atmosphere. Most of the work is behind the bar, plus ordering stock, rostering and keeping the venue running.
Your first three steps
- Work a few shifts in a bar or take a responsible service of alcohol course, and write a short concept and drinks menu with costings
- Visit several possible sites and ask your local council and state liquor licensing body what approvals each location would need
- Get quotes for fit-out, equipment and insurance, then build a 12-month budget before signing any lease
Who pays
Locals, after-work groups, couples and friends on a night out, plus small private bookings and birthdays.
How it makes money
Customers pay per drink at the bar. Profit comes from the margin on each drink, busy Thursday to Saturday nights, and tight control of stock, wastage and wages.
Skills that help
- Making consistent cocktails
- Hosting and customer service
- Managing stock, costs and a small roster
Watch out for
- A liquor licence is needed and the type, cost and timeline vary by state and territory, so check with your state's licensing body
- Council planning approval, trading hours and noise conditions for the site
- Responsible service of alcohol training for you and your staff
- Public liability and workers compensation insurance once you hire
- High fit-out, lease and wage costs, plus long late-night hours
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: small neighbourhood cocktail bar
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a small cocktail bar?
Startup costs are typically around $80,000 to $250,000, depending on the site, fit-out, lease, licensing and stock. Fit-out, lease and wage costs are high, so get quotes before you commit to a venue.
Do I need a liquor licence to open a cocktail bar?
A liquor licence is needed, and the type, cost and timeline vary by state and territory, so check with your state's licensing body. Also check council planning approval, trading hours, noise conditions and responsible service of alcohol training for you and staff.
How much can a cocktail bar earn and how many hours does it take?
Revenue is typically around $25,000 to $90,000 a month, depending on location, size, opening hours and pricing. Expect at least 40 hours a week, often with late nights, plus ordering stock and rostering.
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