Weekend club nights in a rented venue

Nightlife customers paying cover charges and buying drinks, with revenue usually shared with the venue owner.

Door fees and a share of bar sales, or a flat rental fee plus your own ticket and table income. Costs include DJs, security, marketing and staff. Your take-home is usually only a portion of total door and bar takings after the venue's share and costs.

• Promoting events and building a following
• Negotiating deals with venue owners
• Managing a door and bar team
• Booking DJs and entertainers

• Alcohol must usually be served under a valid license; who holds it and what it covers varies by state, so check with your alcohol control board
• Liquor liability and general liability insurance; many venues will ask for proof before agreeing a deal
• Venue occupancy limits, noise rules and closing times set by the city or county
• Written agreement with the venue covering revenue split, security, damage and cancellation
• Music licensing requirements; check whether the venue's licenses cover your events

Estimates are typically around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on the DJ and sound needs, door staff, promotion and insurance. Your costs also depend on the deal you strike with the venue.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many nights you run, attendance, and how revenue is shared with the venue owner. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Alcohol must usually be served under a valid license, and who holds it varies by state, so check with your alcohol control board. Also check liquor liability insurance, venue occupancy and noise rules, music licensing, and get a written agreement with the venue.