Small LGBTQ+ bar and dance venue

LGBTQ+ locals and allies who pay for entry on some nights and for drinks, plus visitors and groups booking parties or events.

Mostly drink sales, plus door entry, cloakroom, private hire and ticketed themed nights or drag shows.

• Running a bar or venue
• Managing staff and security
• Marketing to a community audience
• Budgeting and stock control

• Liquor licence: rules, costs and timelines differ by state and territory, so check with your state's liquor regulator
• Council planning approval, trading hours, noise and capacity limits for the premises
• Public liability insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
• Responsible service of alcohol training and security staff licensing for your state
• High fixed costs such as rent and wages, and slow nights can hurt cash flow
• Safety of patrons, including a clear policy on harassment and a plan for emergencies

Startup costs are typically around $150,000 to $600,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, licensing and equipment. High fixed costs such as rent and wages mean slow nights can hurt cash flow.

Monthly revenue is typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on venue size, trading nights and crowd numbers. Rent and wages are high fixed costs, so check your budget carefully against slower periods.

Check liquor licence rules, costs and timelines with your state's liquor regulator, as they differ by state and territory. Also check council planning approval, trading hours, noise and capacity limits, responsible service of alcohol training and security staff licensing.