Mobile bar with bartenders and drinks included
Run a portable or trailer bar that arrives with trained bartenders, drinks and glassware for weddings and events.
- A$20k-70k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A complete bar service. You bring a portable bar, a trailer or a fitted-out van, plus ice, glassware, mixers and trained bartenders, and run the drinks for the whole event.
Your first three steps
- Contact your state or territory liquor licensing body to find out what licence or permit you need to supply and sell alcohol at events
- Price a simple package by working out drink costs, staff wages, transport and bar equipment, then test it on a few friendly bookings
- Build a photo-led website and Instagram page, and introduce yourself to wedding venues, celebrants and planners
Who pays
Couples planning weddings, private hosts with larger parties, corporate event organisers, and venues without their own bar.
How it makes money
Packages priced per guest or per event, covering the bar hire, staff and drinks, sometimes with a minimum spend and a separate fee for extras such as a cocktail menu.
Skills that help
- Event planning and quoting
- Making cocktails and serving at pace
- Managing and rostering casual bartenders
- Stock ordering and cost control
Watch out for
- Selling or supplying alcohol usually needs a liquor licence or event permit, and the rules and costs differ by state and council
- RSA for every person serving, and check requirements for the licensee or manager
- Public liability insurance, workers compensation once you hire staff, and cover for your trailer or van
- Council or venue approvals for setting up a bar at outdoor sites, check with the local council
- Seasonal demand, with busy weekends in warmer months and quiet patches in between
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: mobile bar with bartenders and drinks included
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 start a mobile bar business in Australia?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $20,000 to $70,000, depending on whether you use a portable bar, trailer or fitted-out van, and how much glassware, ice and mixers you buy.
How much can a mobile bar business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many events you book and your package size. Demand is seasonal, with busy weekends in warmer months and quiet patches in between.
What licences and approvals should I check for a mobile bar?
Check whether selling or supplying alcohol needs a liquor licence or event permit, as rules and costs differ by state and council. Also check RSA for everyone serving, and council or venue approvals for outdoor sites.
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Photo: landersb on Pixabay