How to open a neighbourhood wine bar

Locals after work, couples and friend groups on weekends, and small groups booking for casual celebrations.

Mainly wine and drink sales with a healthy markup per glass, plus snack plates, bottle sales and bookings for small private events.

• Good wine knowledge, or a willingness to learn
• Hospitality and customer service
• Stock control and budgeting
• Managing and rostering staff

• A liquor licence is needed. Check the options in your state or territory, as some have small bar licences, and allow time for approval
• Council planning and building approvals, and any neighbour objection or noise conditions
• Staff need Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification. Check state rules
• Food handling rules if you serve snacks: check council registration and food safety supervisor requirements
• Public liability, property and workers compensation insurance once you hire
• Lease terms and fit-out costs can be large, so get advice before committing
• Long evening and weekend hours

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $60,000 to $300,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and licensing. Lease terms and fit-out costs can be large, so get advice before committing to a site.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, trading hours and how busy the bar is. The estimate assumes working from about 40 hours a week, including evenings and weekends.

Check that you can get a liquor licence in your state or territory, as some offer small bar licences, and allow time for approval. Also check council planning and building approvals, and Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification for staff.