Lesbian and queer women's neighbourhood bar

Lesbian, bi, trans and queer women, their friends and allies, plus community groups and organizers who rent the space or run ticketed events.

Drinks and food sales, cover charges on event nights, private hire, and extras like merchandise or sponsored nights.

• Running a bar or hospitality business
• Managing staff and cash flow
• Community outreach
• Event programming

• Liquor licence approval can be slow and rules vary by province, so check before committing to a lease
• Zoning, occupancy limits, fire and public health inspections if you serve food
• Liquor liability and commercial general liability insurance
• Server training requirements and employer coverage (WCB/WSIB) once you hire; rules differ by province
• Thin margins, high rent and slow winter months can strain cash flow
• In Quebec, check French-language requirements for signage, menus and promotion

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $100,000 to $400,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, licensing, equipment and opening stock. Costs vary widely by location and the size of the space, so get quotes before committing to a lease.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on location, opening hours, event calendar and how busy you are. Margins can be thin, and high rent and slow winter months can strain cash flow.

Check liquor licence approval, which can be slow and varies by province, before signing a lease. Also check zoning, occupancy limits, fire and public health inspections, insurance, server training, WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, and French-language rules in Quebec.