Take over an existing bar as a sports bar
Buy or lease a running bar or pub and turn it into the local place to watch sport.
- A$120k-600k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
Taking over an existing licensed venue, keeping the customers and licence arrangements where possible, and adding screens, match-day events and a sports focus.
Your first three steps
- Look at venues for sale or lease through hospitality brokers and ask for several years of accounts
- Get an accountant and a solicitor to review the figures, the lease and what happens with the liquor licence
- Contact your state's liquor licensing body and council about transferring or applying for the licence and any changes
Who pays
Existing regulars plus sports fans, groups, local clubs and teams you attract with match-day offers.
How it makes money
Drink and food sales, with extra trade from match nights, tipping comps, meat-tray or raffle nights and function bookings.
Skills that help
- Customer service and hosting
- Reading financial accounts
- Managing and keeping staff
- Promoting events locally
Watch out for
- Licence transfers are not automatic, check your state's rules and timelines before committing
- Check what staff, stock, equipment and debts come with the venue
- Lease terms, rent increases and trading restrictions
- Commercial rights for showing sport, public liability and workers compensation insurance
- Existing regulars may not like big changes, so adjust gradually
- Large upfront outlay and long hours
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: take over an existing bar as a sports bar
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 take over a bar in Australia?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around $120,000 to $600,000, depending on the venue, what comes with it and any changes you make. This is a large upfront outlay, so check staff, stock, equipment and debts.
How much revenue can a sports bar takeover make?
Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on the existing customer base and how well your match-day events work. The estimate assumes at least about 45 hours a week.
What should I check before taking over a licensed venue?
Licence transfers are not automatic, so check your state's rules and timelines before committing. Also check lease terms, rent increases and trading restrictions, commercial rights for showing sport, and insurance including public liability and workers compensation.
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