Small standing-room neighbourhood bar
Open a compact bar where locals stand and drink, serving drinks and simple snacks in a small leased space.
- A$120k-400k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small, casual bar in leased premises where most customers stand at the counter or high tables. It serves beer, wine, spirits and cocktails, plus easy snacks such as toasties, nuts or share plates.
Your first three steps
- Scout small sites in busy local streets and check with the council that a bar is allowed there
- Contact your state or territory liquor licensing body to find out which small bar licence suits you, and what it requires
- Write a simple budget covering rent, fit-out, stock and wages, and speak to a business adviser or accountant about it
Who pays
Locals, after-work crowds, nearby office workers and small groups of friends looking for a quick drink close to home.
How it makes money
Selling drinks at a markup over cost, with snacks as an add-on. Revenue depends on your trading hours, foot traffic and how many drinks each customer buys.
Skills that help
- Customer service and hosting
- Managing stock, costs and rosters
- Knowing drinks and how to serve them responsibly
Watch out for
- A liquor licence is needed, and the type, cost and wait time differ by state and territory, so check early
- Council planning, zoning, trading hours and noise rules for your site
- Responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training for you and your staff, as your state requires
- Public liability insurance, workers compensation once you hire, and food registration with your council if you serve snacks
- Lease terms, fit-out costs and tight cash flow in the first months
- Fire safety and the maximum number of people allowed in your space
🔒 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 open a small standing-room bar in Australia?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $120,000 to $400,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and licence. Lease terms, fit-out costs and tight cash flow in the first months are worth checking carefully before you commit.
How much revenue can a small neighbourhood bar make?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on location, opening hours and how busy the bar gets. That is revenue, not profit, so rent, stock and wages come out of it.
What licences and rules apply to opening a small bar in Australia?
Things to check: a liquor licence (type, cost and wait time differ by state and territory), council planning, zoning, trading hours and noise rules, RSA training as your state requires, insurance, food registration if serving snacks, and fire safety limits.
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