Weekend gig room in a leased hall or shed

Ticket buyers pay at the door or online, and touring or local bands may pay for room hire. Drinks buyers add to takings where a bar is allowed.

Ticket sales or door charges, bar sales where licensed (or a BYO or soft drinks model), and room hire for private events on other days.

• Booking acts and scheduling
• Basic sound and stage setup
• Marketing events online and locally
• Handling crowds and cash

• Council approval for entertainment use, plus building, fire safety and maximum capacity limits, check these before the first show
• Selling alcohol needs a liquor licence or a temporary licence in most states, check with your state liquor body, or run BYO or non-alcoholic if permitted
• Music licensing for live performance (check with OneMusic Australia)
• Public liability insurance and cover for your equipment
• Noise complaints from neighbours and short lease terms
• Ticket sales can be unpredictable, so avoid committing to large band fees upfront

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on the hall or warehouse, your stage and PA setup, and insurance. Hiring a space for a couple of nights a week can keep costs lower than a full-time venue.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on ticket sales, room hire and any bar takings. The estimate starts from about 15 hours a week. Ticket sales can be unpredictable, so avoid committing to large band fees upfront.

Check council approval for entertainment use, plus building, fire safety and capacity limits before the first show. Check liquor licensing or temporary licences with your state body, music licensing with OneMusic Australia, and public liability and equipment insurance.