Pop-up tiki bar for events

Couples planning weddings, people hosting backyard or corporate parties, breweries, markets, festivals and venues that want a themed bar without building one.

A per-drink price, a package price per guest or a flat event fee plus drinks. Some events also pay for set-up, a bartender and themed decor.

• Cocktail making and bar knowledge
• Event planning and organizing
• Customer service
• Selling to event hosts and venues

• Rules for serving alcohol at events vary by province, and in many places the host or venue must hold the permit, so check who is responsible before you accept bookings
• Server training or certification may be needed, check your province's requirements
• Commercial general liability and liquor liability insurance, and some venues will ask for proof before they book you
• Food handling or public health permits if you serve garnishes or snacks, check with your local public health unit
• Seasonal demand, with a busy summer and a quiet winter, and the cost of a vehicle or trailer to move your bar
• Check your municipality and venue rules for set-up, parking and noise at events

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on whether you build a cart, trailer or modular bar and how you transport it. The cost of a vehicle or trailer is one of the main things to budget for.

Rules for serving alcohol at events vary by province, and in many places the host or venue must hold the permit, so check who is responsible before accepting bookings. Also check server training requirements and your municipality and venue rules.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many events you book. Demand is seasonal, with a busy summer and a quiet winter, so plan your cash flow accordingly.