LGBTQ+ neighbourhood bar

LGBTQ+ locals, allies, groups of friends, visitors to the city and community groups booking events.

Drink and food sales, cover charges on special nights, private event bookings and sponsorship from local businesses. Event nights help fill quieter evenings.

• Hospitality and customer service
• Managing staff and stock
• Event planning and community building

• Liquor licence rules and approval times, which differ by province (for example AGCO, BC LCRB, AGLC, RACJ in Quebec), so check your provincial regulator
• Commercial general liability and liquor liability insurance
• Server training requirements, and check whether your province requires specific certification for staff
• Staff safety, door policy and a clear plan for handling harassment
• Check municipal zoning, occupancy limits, noise bylaws and food permits from your local public health unit
• WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules by province), and the Quebec French-language requirements if you open there
• High fixed costs such as rent and wages, and slower winter nights

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $100,000 to $400,000, depending on the lease, fit-out, licensing, stock and staffing. Fixed costs such as rent and wages are high, so plan your budget carefully before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on location, size, event programming and opening hours. The idea assumes at least about 40 hours a week, and winter nights can be slower.

Liquor licence rules and approval times differ by province, so check your provincial regulator. Also check server training requirements, municipal zoning, occupancy limits, noise bylaws, food permits, liquor liability insurance, and Quebec French-language requirements if you open there.