Mobile bar for weddings and events

Couples, party hosts, businesses, venues without their own bar and event organisers.

Customers pay per drink at the bar, or a host pays a hire fee or package price for a set number of hours and guests. Many mobile bars use a mix of both.

• Bar service and making drinks
• Customer service
• Organising stock and logistics
• Confident at selling to event planners

• Alcohol must be sold under a licence. Check whether you need your own premises licence, or if events will be covered by the venue's licence or a Temporary Event Notice, which has limits on use
• A personal licence is usually needed for the person authorising sales in England and Wales. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check with the council
• Public liability insurance, plus cover for your equipment and stock
• A suitable vehicle to tow or carry equipment, and gas and electrical safety checks on the bar
• Seasonal demand, so plan for quieter winter months, and check any waste, food hygiene and trading rules at events

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the trailer, horsebox or portable setup and your equipment. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at £1,500 to £8,000, depending on how many events you book.

Alcohol must be sold under a licence. Check whether you need your own premises licence, or whether the venue's licence or a Temporary Event Notice covers you, noting its limits. A personal licence is usually needed in England and Wales; check Scotland and Northern Ireland with the council.

Estimates suggest from around 10 hours a week, though demand is seasonal, so plan for quieter winter months. You will need bar service skills, good organisation and the confidence to sell to event planners. Check vehicle, gas and electrical safety too.