Small irish-style pub or bar

Locals, after-work crowds, sports fans, tourists and groups booking birthdays or events.

Drinks are the main earner, with food, event bookings and function hire on top. Margins depend on rent, wages and keeping stock waste low.

• Hospitality and customer service
• Managing staff rosters and stock
• Basic bookkeeping and cash handling
• Creating a warm atmosphere and community events

• Liquor licence: rules, costs and approval times differ by state and territory, so check with your state's licensing body
• Responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training is usually needed for staff who serve, so check your state's requirements
• Food: register with your local council if you serve meals and check food safety supervisor rules
• Public liability and property insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
• Music licensing (for example APRA AMCOS) if you play recorded or live music, and council noise rules
• High fixed costs such as rent, wages and fit-out, and long hours including nights and weekends
• Gaming machines need a separate licence and are not required to run a pub

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $120,000 to $500,000, depending on the venue, fit-out and whether you lease or take over an existing pub. Rent, wages and fit-out are high fixed costs to plan for.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $35,000 to $150,000, depending on location, opening hours, food offering and events like trivia or live music. Revenue is not profit. The idea assumes at least about 40 hours a week.

Check liquor licence rules, costs and approval times with your state's licensing body, and RSA training requirements for staff. Also check council food registration, food safety supervisor rules, music licensing, noise rules and insurance. Gaming machines need a separate licence and aren't required.