Gaming internet cafe

Teenagers and young adults, groups of friends, students and gamers without a powerful PC at home.

Hourly or block-booked PC time, group and party bookings, and drinks and snacks. Quiet daytime hours can be used for other bookings.

• Knowing gaming PCs and hardware
• Customer service with younger customers
• Managing bookings and staff rotas
• Marketing through social media

• Games bought for home use often cannot be used commercially, check licensing with publishers or suppliers
• Planning permission and permitted use of the unit, check with your local council
• Public liability insurance, plus cover for expensive equipment against theft and damage
• Safeguarding and age policies, especially for under-18s and late opening hours
• Noise, opening hours and neighbours, and any music licence you may need
• If you serve food or drink, register as a food business with your council
• Hardware gets outdated and worn, so set aside money for upgrades and repairs
• A high rent and equipment commitment, so test demand carefully before signing a lease

Startup costs are typically around £25,000 to £90,000, depending on your premises and how many gaming PCs you fit. These are estimates only. Test demand carefully before signing a lease, and set aside money for hardware upgrades.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £15,000, depending on location, opening hours and bookings. These are estimates, and the idea assumes at least about 35 hours a week.

Games bought for home use often cannot be used commercially, so check licensing with publishers or suppliers. Check planning permission and permitted use with your council. Also check safeguarding and age policies, especially for under-18s and late opening.