Salsa nights in an existing bar

Dancers and curious beginners pay on the door or buy tickets in advance. The venue pays you, or shares drinks takings, because your night fills a quiet evening.

Entry fees or advance tickets, plus a negotiated fee or share of bar sales from the venue. Add-ons include lesson fees and sponsorship from local dance schools or Latin food traders.

• Organising events and people
• Knowledge of salsa music and the local dance scene
• Promoting through social media and word of mouth
• Negotiating a fair deal with a venue

• Check who holds the premises licence and whether it covers live or recorded music and dancing until the hours you want
• If you sell alcohol yourself rather than the venue, check whether you need a Temporary Event Notice or your own licence
• Music licences (for example PPL PRS) are usually the venue's job, but check who is responsible
• Public liability insurance for your event, and check what the venue's policy covers
• Door safety and capacity limits: check whether you need licensed door staff
• Income can be uneven early on, so avoid paying large fixed fees before you know your turnout

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your DJ or band, promotion and insurance. Avoid committing to large fixed fees before you know your turnout, as income can be uneven early on.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on how often you run nights, ticket prices, turnout and any share of drinks takings agreed with the venue. These are estimates, and income can be uneven early on.

Check who holds the premises licence and whether it covers music and dancing until your chosen hours. Also check whether you need a Temporary Event Notice if you sell alcohol, who is responsible for music licences, insurance, and door staff.