Small neighbourhood cocktail bar

Locals, after-work groups, couples and friends out for the evening, plus people booking small private gatherings.

Drinks sold at a markup over ingredient cost, with extra from snacks, private bookings and themed nights. Busy Thursday to Saturday evenings carry most of the sales.

• Bartending and drink making
• Managing stock and costs
• Hosting and customer service
• Hiring and leading staff

• A liquor licence from your provincial regulator, which can take months and has its own conditions
• Zoning, occupancy limits, fire and health inspections for the premises, check with your municipality and public health unit
• Liquor liability and commercial general liability insurance, and staff training such as responsible service courses where required
• Thin margins, high rent and slow winter months, so plan your cash reserves
• WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire, with rules that differ by province

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $80,000 to $250,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and equipment. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $20,000 to $60,000, depending on seats, location and opening hours.

Check with your provincial regulator about a liquor licence, which can take months and has its own conditions. Also check zoning, occupancy limits, fire and health inspections, liquor liability and general liability insurance, and responsible service training where required.

Plan on at least about 40 hours a week. Useful skills include bartending, managing stock and costs, hosting and leading staff. Margins can be thin, with high rent and slow winter months, so plan your cash reserves.