Small LGBTQ+ neighbourhood bar
Open a welcoming small bar for LGBTQ+ locals and allies, with drinks, music and regular social nights.
- A$100k-400k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small licensed bar with its own premises, built as a safe and friendly space for LGBTQ+ people and their friends. It runs regular events such as trivia, drag, karaoke and community nights.
Your first three steps
- Visit several LGBTQ+ and small bars, talk to local community groups and work out what is missing in your area
- Write a business plan with a realistic budget, then speak to your state liquor licensing body, your local council and a commercial lease adviser
- Shortlist premises with a suitable zoning and lease, and line up your first events, performers and a social media following before you open
Who pays
LGBTQ+ locals, their friends and allies, plus groups and community organisations booking nights or private functions.
How it makes money
Drink sales are the main income, with some from food or snacks, ticketed events, private hire and merchandise.
Skills that help
- Hospitality and customer service
- Managing staff and rosters
- Event planning and promotion
- Budgeting and stock control
Watch out for
- A liquor licence is needed and the rules, costs and wait times differ by state and territory, so check with your state's liquor licensing body
- Council planning and zoning approval for a bar, plus noise and trading hour conditions, so check with your local council
- Responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training for staff, and food registration with the council if you serve food
- Public liability and property insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
- High fit-out and lease costs, and slow early trading, so keep a cash buffer
- Venue safety and security, including looking after patrons and staff
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: small LGBTQ+ neighbourhood 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 LGBTQ+ bar?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $100,000 to $400,000, depending on your fit-out, lease and licensing costs. Early trading can be slow, so it helps to keep a cash buffer on top of these costs.
How much revenue can a small neighbourhood bar make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your location, opening hours, event nights and venue size. These are revenue estimates, before stock, rent, wages and other costs.
What licences and approvals should I check to open a bar?
Things to check: a liquor licence (rules, costs and wait times differ by state and territory), council planning and zoning approval, RSA training for staff, food registration if serving food, insurance, and venue safety and security.
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