Pop-Up queer bar nights

LGBTQ+ customers and allies paying for entry or tickets and buying drinks, and the host venue, which pays you through a share of bar sales or a fee.

Door or ticket fees, plus a negotiated share of bar sales or a guaranteed fee from the venue. Merchandise and sponsors can add a little extra.

• Promoting events on social media
• Booking DJs, hosts and performers
• Negotiating with venues
• Making guests feel safe and welcome

• The venue should hold the liquor licence, but if you sell tickets or run your own bar, check with your provincial liquor regulator whether a special occasion permit applies
• Event or liability insurance, and check whether the venue's cover includes your night
• Written agreement with the venue on splits, capacity, security and cancellation
• Ticket and door income may count towards GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, so check with the CRA
• Winter weather and slow seasons can hit attendance, so plan some indoor-friendly promotion

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on promotion, performers or DJs, decorations, insurance and any equipment you bring. Using a venue that already holds a liquor licence helps you avoid lease costs.

The venue should hold the liquor licence, but if you sell tickets or run your own bar, check with your provincial liquor regulator whether a special occasion permit applies. Also check insurance, put the venue agreement in writing, and ask the CRA about GST/HST.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on how often you run nights, attendance, ticket prices and your split with the venue. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week. Winter and slow seasons can affect attendance.