Mahjong house with your own premises

Regular players, social groups, friends and families, plus local organisations booking the space for private events.

Table or per-person session fees, monthly memberships, lessons, private hire and food and drink sales.

• Knowing mahjong well and teaching it
• Running a venue and managing bookings
• Customer service and building a community
• Basic budgeting and managing rent

• Check whether the premises have the right planning use, and ask the council about change of use before signing a lease
• A premises licence may be needed if you sell alcohol or provide late-night entertainment; check with your council
• Register with the council if you serve food, and follow food hygiene rules
• Public liability insurance, contents cover and employer's liability insurance if you hire staff
• If money or prizes are staked on games, check the Gambling Commission's rules first
• Rent and fit-out costs are fixed, so build your player base before committing

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and how many tables and extras you provide. Rent and fit-out costs are fixed, so get quotes before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £16,000, depending on table bookings, memberships, drinks and snacks, and private hire. The estimates assume at least about 30 hours a week of running the venue.

Ask the council about planning use and change of use before signing a lease. Check whether you need a premises licence for alcohol or late-night entertainment, register with the council if you serve food, and check Gambling Commission rules if money or prizes are staked.