Seasonal beer garden on a leased patio or lot

Locals, after-work groups, families (where permitted), tourists and groups booking tables for birthdays and team events.

Beer, cider and food sales, plus private bookings, trivia or music nights, and food vendor partnerships.

• Running a small team
• Managing stock and cash flow
• Customer service
• Local marketing

• Liquor licences vary by province and can take months, so apply early and check capacity and hours limits
• Municipal permits for patios, signage, noise and temporary structures, plus fire and health inspections
• Commercial general liability and liquor liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Short, weather-dependent seasons mean rent and fixed costs must be covered in a few months of trading
• Food service usually needs a public health unit permit

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the space, seating and bar set-up. Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on weather, location and how many months you trade.

Liquor licences vary by province and can take months, so check early, including capacity and hours limits. Also check municipal permits for patios, signage, noise and temporary structures, fire and health inspections, and any public health unit permit for food service.

Short, weather-dependent seasons mean rent and fixed costs must be covered in a few months of trading. Check commercial general liability and liquor liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, as rules vary by province. Estimates suggest at least about 30 hours a week.