Queer Bar with Its Own Premises

LGBTQ+ locals and their friends, plus visitors to your town or city. Event organisers and performers may also pay to hire the space.

Mainly drinks sales. Extra income can come from entry fees or ticketed events, private hire, and sometimes food or merchandise.

• Running a team and handling rotas
• Good with people and creating a safe, welcoming space
• Basic money management and stock control
• Event planning and local promotion

• A premises licence and a named premises supervisor with a personal licence are normally needed to sell alcohol in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different systems, so check with your council
• Planning use class, opening hours and noise rules for your site, including neighbours' views
• Public liability and employer's liability insurance, plus insurance for stock and contents
• Register with your local council as a food business if you serve food
• Door staff may need SIA licences, and you need clear policies on safety and safeguarding for customers and staff
• High fixed costs such as rent, rates, energy and staffing, so test your numbers carefully before signing a lease

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £40,000 to £200,000, depending on the premises, lease deposits, fit-out, stock, licensing and how much you spend on equipment before opening.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your location, opening hours and events. Rent, rates, energy and staffing are high fixed costs, so test your numbers before signing a lease.

A premises licence and a named premises supervisor with a personal licence are normally needed to sell alcohol in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland differ, so check with your council. Also check planning use class, noise rules and SIA licences.