Lesbian and queer women's bar

Lesbian, bi and queer women and their friends, local community groups, and people hiring the space for private parties.

Mainly drinks sales, plus ticketed events, entry fees on club nights, private hire and sometimes food or merchandise.

• Running a bar or hospitality team
• Community building and event planning
• Managing cash flow and stock
• Hiring and looking after staff

• A premises licence and a designated premises supervisor are needed to sell alcohol (rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check with your council)
• Planning permission or change of use may be needed for the premises, so check with the council before committing to a lease
• Music licences, food hygiene registration if you serve food, and public liability and employer's liability insurance
• Check how to run a women-focused space within the Equality Act, as entry policies need care
• High fixed costs: rent, rates and staff wages must be covered even in quiet months
• Keeping customers and staff safe, including a clear policy on harassment and, where needed, SIA-licensed door staff

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £40,000 to £200,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, licensing and stock. High fixed costs such as rent, rates and wages must be covered even in quiet months, so plan your cash flow.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around £15,000 to £75,000, depending on location, size, opening hours and events. Rent, rates and staff wages must be paid from that, so revenue is not the same as profit.

Check that you have a premises licence and a designated premises supervisor to sell alcohol; rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Also check planning or change of use, music licences, insurance, and how to run a women-focused space within the Equality Act.