Lease and run a local pub
Take over the lease of an existing local pub and run it as licensee, serving drinks, meals and a place to gather.
- A$80k-400k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
Running an established pub, usually on a lease rather than buying the building. You manage the bar, simple pub meals, staff and community events like trivia nights or live music.
Your first three steps
- Work a few months in a pub or hotel to learn the daily running, and complete responsible service of alcohol training
- Talk to an accountant and a solicitor, then look at pubs for lease through agents or breweries and review the trading figures
- Find out what your state or territory liquor licensing body requires to approve you as licensee or to transfer the licence
Who pays
Locals, regulars, families having a meal, sports groups, tourists and travellers in country or coastal towns.
How it makes money
Mainly drink sales, plus meals, function bookings and event nights. Some pubs add accommodation or other income. You pay rent, wages, stock and licence costs from this.
Skills that help
- Customer service and a friendly manner
- Managing staff and rosters
- Stock control and basic bookkeeping
- Handling difficult situations calmly
Watch out for
- Liquor licence approval or transfer rules, which differ by state and territory, so check with your state's licensing body
- Lease terms, rent reviews, and any requirement to buy stock from a particular brewery or supplier
- Food business registration with your local council if you serve meals
- Extra licences and rules if you offer gaming machines or live entertainment
- Public liability, property and stock insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
- Long evening and weekend hours, and the need for a realistic cash buffer before you take over
- Staff, security and noise issues, so check local council conditions
🔒 Full research report for Australia
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to lease and run a local pub in Australia?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $80,000 to $400,000, depending on the pub, the lease terms and the stock you take on. Plan for a realistic cash buffer before you take over.
How much revenue can a leased pub make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on location, trading hours, food and events. This is revenue, not profit, so factor in rent, wages, stock and supplier requirements.
What licences and rules should I check before taking over a pub?
Check liquor licence approval or transfer rules with your state's licensing body, and food business registration with your council. Also check lease terms, supplier requirements, rules for gaming or live entertainment, insurance and council noise conditions.
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