Neighbourhood beer hall

Locals after work, friend groups, sports fans, office teams and people booking tables for birthdays or events.

Sales of beer and other drinks plus food, with extra income from group bookings, trivia or game nights and private hire of the space.

• Running a team and managing staff rosters
• Stock control and cost tracking
• Customer service and keeping a lively but safe room

• Liquor licensing is set by each province and territory, so check the licence type, approval time and any local notice requirements
• Food service needs a permit and inspections from your local public health unit, and staff may need food handler and responsible service training
• Commercial general liability and liquor liability insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• High fixed costs such as rent and wages, so test your numbers on quiet months and winter
• Municipal rules on noise, patios, occupancy and opening hours, and Quebec's French-language requirements if you are there

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $150,000 to $600,000, depending on your premises, fit-out, equipment and licensing. Rent and wages are high fixed costs, so test your numbers against quiet months and winter before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on location, size, opening hours and how busy you are. Revenue is not profit, and high fixed costs mean quiet months need planning.

Check your provincial or territorial liquor licence type, approval time and any local notice requirements. Check food permits and inspections from your public health unit, staff training, liquor liability and general liability insurance, WCB/WSIB rules, and municipal rules on noise, patios and hours.