Karaoke pub with a shared stage
Run a neighbourhood bar where regulars and newcomers take turns on a stage, with karaoke on several nights a week.
- C$100k-350k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A licensed bar with a stage, sound system, screens and a song-request system. Guests sing in front of the room and drink, eat and socialize between turns.
Your first three steps
- Spend a few evenings at local karaoke nights and bars to see what crowds, prices and nights are already taken
- Check zoning, occupancy and the provincial liquor licence process, and talk to your municipality about entertainment and noise rules
- Cost a lease or takeover of a small bar, a sound and screen setup and a licensed song library, then draft a one-year budget
Who pays
Local regulars, groups of friends, birthday parties and people looking for a casual night out.
How it makes money
Mostly drink and food sales, with possible cover charges or special event nights. The singing brings people in and keeps them longer.
Skills that help
- Hospitality and customer service
- Hosting a crowd and keeping a room friendly
- Managing stock, staff and cash
Watch out for
- Provincial liquor licence and server training requirements, which vary a lot by province
- Music licensing: check SOCAN and Re:Sound requirements and the licensing of your karaoke content
- Commercial general liability and liquor liability insurance
- Noise bylaws, closing hours and neighbour complaints
- WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire staff, as rules differ by province
- Responsible service of alcohol and handling intoxicated guests
- Slower winter and midweek trade, and high fixed costs like rent and wages
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: karaoke pub with a shared stage
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a karaoke pub in Canada?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $100,000 to $350,000, depending on the premises, licensing, stage, sound system and fit-out. Rent and wages are high fixed costs, so plan your budget carefully.
How much can a karaoke pub earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on location, how many karaoke nights you run and what guests spend. The estimate assumes at least about 45 hours a week. Revenue is not profit.
What licences and rules apply to a karaoke pub in Canada?
Check provincial liquor licence and server training requirements, which vary by province. Also check SOCAN and Re:Sound music licensing, liability and liquor liability insurance, noise bylaws and closing hours, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff.
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