Run a leased country pub with rooms

Locals drinking and dining, travelling workers, road trippers, tourists and groups booking functions.

Bar and food sales, nightly room rates and function or event bookings. You pay rent to the owner and cover wages, stock and running costs.

• Customer service and a friendly manner
• Managing staff and rosters
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control
• Cooking or managing a kitchen

• Upfront costs vary widely: many leases need an incoming payment for goodwill, stock and fittings on top of the bond and working capital, so get the full figure in writing before committing
• Liquor licence rules differ by state and territory, check the process and who must hold it
• Responsible service of alcohol training for you and your staff, check your state's requirements
• Read the lease carefully, including rent reviews, repairs and what's included in the sale of fittings
• Award wages, weekend and late-night penalty rates and workers compensation once you hire
• Food safety rules, fire safety and building requirements for guest rooms, check with your local council
• Long hours, and income can swing with the seasons and the local economy

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $150,000 to $700,000, depending on the pub. Many leases need an incoming payment for goodwill, stock and fittings on top of the bond and working capital, so get the full figure in writing.

Check how liquor licence rules work in your state or territory and who must hold the licence, responsible service of alcohol training for you and staff, food safety, fire safety and building requirements for guest rooms (with your local council), and the lease terms.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on location, trade and season. Plan on at least about 50 hours a week. Income can swing with the seasons and the local economy.