Neighbourhood Queer Bar

LGBTQ+ locals, their friends and allies, plus visitors and groups booking private events.

Drink sales are the main income. Cover charges for ticketed nights, private hire and food or snacks add to it.

• Running a team and managing staff
• Cash flow and stock control
• Building community and promoting events
• Creating a safe, inclusive atmosphere

• A liquor licence is needed and the process and wait times differ by province, so check with your provincial regulator
• Zoning, occupancy limits, fire and health inspections: check with your municipality before signing a lease
• Commercial general liability and liquor liability insurance
• Staff training in responsible service and safety, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• High fixed costs such as rent and wages, so check your break-even point before committing
• Quebec has its own rules and French-language requirements

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $100,000 to $400,000, depending on your premises, fit-out, licensing, insurance, opening stock and staffing. High fixed costs such as rent and wages mean you should check your break-even point before committing.

A liquor licence is needed, and the process and wait times differ by province, so check with your provincial regulator. Also check zoning, occupancy limits, and fire and health inspections with your municipality before signing a lease. Quebec has its own rules and French-language requirements.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your location, opening hours, event programme and community support. That is revenue before rent, wages and stock costs, and the estimate assumes at least about 40 hours a week.