Small tiki bar venue

Locals out for drinks, couples and friendship groups, birthday and small private party bookings, and after-work crowds.

Selling cocktails, beer, wine and snacks, with higher margins on signature cocktails and shared drinks. Private hire and themed nights can add extra income.

• Cocktail making and drink menu design
• Customer service and hosting
• Managing stock, costs and staff rosters

• Liquor licence rules and costs vary by state and territory, and approval can take months, so check early
• Council approval for the site, including fit-out, noise and trading hours
• Public liability, property and workers compensation insurance once you hire
• Responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training for you and your staff
• High upfront fit-out and lease costs, and slow early trade: check your cash buffer
• Food rules if you serve snacks, check with your local council

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $80,000 to $300,000, depending on the site, fit-out and lease terms. Fit-out and lease costs are high upfront and early trade can be slow, so check your cash buffer before committing.

Liquor licence rules and costs vary by state and territory, and approval can take months, so check early. Also check council approval for the site, including fit-out, noise and trading hours, and RSA training for you and your staff.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on location, trading hours and how quickly trade builds. That is revenue, not profit. Plan for at least 40 hours a week, with evenings and weekends the busiest.