Craft beer bottle shop

Local residents, beer fans, gift buyers and nearby pubs, cafes or restaurants wanting small orders.

You buy from breweries or wholesalers and sell at a mark-up. Extra income comes from gift packs, tasting evenings and regular local trade orders.

• Knowing and enjoying beer styles
• Buying and stock control
• Friendly customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• You need a premises licence to sell alcohol and a licensed designated premises supervisor with a personal licence, check with your local council
• Age checks: selling to under-18s is a serious offence, so plan staff training and a challenge policy
• Business rates, rent and lease terms, ask about reliefs available for small shops
• Stock tied up in cash and beer with short shelf lives, avoid over-ordering
• Duty-paid stock only from reputable suppliers, and public liability and stock insurance

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, the fit-out and how much opening stock you buy. Stock ties up cash, so avoid over-ordering beer with short shelf lives.

Monthly revenue is typically around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on location, range and how many regulars and local venues you serve. This is revenue, not profit, so allow for stock, rent and rates. Hours start from around 40 a week.

Check with your local council. You need a premises licence to sell alcohol, plus a designated premises supervisor with a personal licence. Plan age checks and staff training, as selling to under-18s is a serious offence.