Standing-Room Neighbourhood Bar

Locals, office workers after hours, people on a night out and small groups meeting for a quick drink.

Selling drinks at a markup, with snacks as an add-on. Busy after-work and weekend periods carry most of the revenue, and a loyal local crowd helps fill quieter nights.

• Customer service and a welcoming manner
• Drink knowledge and basic bartending
• Stock control and cash handling
• Managing and scheduling staff

• A provincial liquor licence is needed, and the process can take months; check rules for your province or territory (and Quebec's own rules)
• Server training or certification is often required for staff, so check your province's program
• Liquor liability and commercial general liability insurance
• Zoning, occupancy limits, fire code and health inspections; check with your municipality and local public health unit if serving food
• Music licensing fees for playing recorded music, check with the relevant Canadian licensing bodies
• Long lease commitments and high fit-out costs, so negotiate terms carefully
• Slower winter months and late-night hours that affect staffing and safety
• Register for GST/HST when required, and check WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire

Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on your lease, fit-out, licensing and opening stock. High fit-out costs and long leases matter, so treat these as estimates and negotiate terms carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your location, opening hours, drinks and snack sales, and staffing. Slower winter months may also affect it. These are estimates only.

Check your province's liquor licence process, which can take months, and server training requirements. Also check liquor liability insurance, zoning, fire code and health inspections, music licensing fees, GST/HST, and WCB or WSIB coverage when hiring.