Small neighbourhood piano bar

Locals and couples after work or on date nights, small groups of friends, office drinks and people celebrating birthdays or small events.

Mainly drink sales, plus food, private bookings and sometimes a cover charge or ticketed special nights. Pianists are paid a fee or a share of the night.

• Hospitality or bar management experience
• Booking and managing musicians
• Controlling stock and costs
• Creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere

• Liquor licence rules and fees differ by state and territory, and approval can take months. Check with your state regulator before signing a lease
• Council planning approval, noise limits and trading hours for live music
• Responsible service of alcohol training for you and your staff
• Music licensing for playing or performing music in a venue (check what is needed with the relevant licensing bodies)
• Food registration with your local council if you serve food, and public liability and workers compensation insurance once you hire
• Fit-out costs, rent and wages are fixed, so quiet nights hurt. Plan your cash flow carefully

Startup costs are typically around $120,000 to $400,000, depending on your fit-out, premises and licensing. Monthly revenue is typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on location, trading nights and drink and food sales. Fixed costs mean quiet nights hurt.

Check liquor licence rules and fees with your state regulator before signing a lease, as approval can take months. Also check council planning approval, noise limits and trading hours, responsible service of alcohol training, music licensing and food registration.

Helpful skills include hospitality or bar management experience, booking musicians, controlling stock and costs, and creating a warm atmosphere. Estimates suggest at least around 40 hours a week, depending on your opening nights and staffing.