Neighbourhood cider bar

Locals after work, groups of friends, couples on dates, visitors curious about regional ciders and people who prefer something other than beer.

Customers pay per drink, with extra income from tasting flights, snacks, cans to take away (where your licence allows), private bookings and events like trivia or live music.

• Customer service and hosting
• Managing stock and costs
• Knowing your products and telling their story
• Hiring and scheduling staff

• A liquor licence is needed; check your provincial liquor regulator for requirements, costs and wait times
• Check whether staff need provincial server training before serving
• Liquor liability and commercial general liability insurance, check what your insurer and landlord require
• Zoning, occupancy limits, fire and public health inspections for the premises
• Rent and fit-out costs can be high before any sales, so allow for a slow first few months
• Winter can be quiet in many areas; plan indoor events and check rules for patios
• Check any rules on music licensing and on where you must buy your products (varies by province)

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $60,000 to $300,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and licensing. Rent and fit-out can be high before any sales, so allow for a slow first few months.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, size, opening hours and how busy you are. Winter can be quiet in many areas, so plan indoor events.

Check your provincial liquor regulator for licence requirements, costs and wait times, and whether staff need server training. Also check liquor liability and general liability insurance, zoning, occupancy limits, fire and public health inspections, music licensing, and rules on where to buy products.