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Furnishings & DecorHow to Start and Run a Successful Bar
Step 1
First, you will need to contact your local Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, or the Alcohol Beverage Commission. Find out which licences or permits you will need, along with their availability.
Step 2
Location is everything! There are several factors to consider when looking for a location. Ask yourself the following questions: Can I afford to have premises in my desired area? What kind of crowd populates this area? Is there a liquor license available? With whom am I competing? Am I going to lease or buy land? Am I going to buy over an existing bar? If so what are my financial options? Is this a long-term opportunity suitable for buying on contract? Do police plague the bars in this area?
When considering competition, it is important to cover certain bases in order to establish whether your bar can compete or not. Look at the entertainment offered by competition and if there are any other pull factors bringing in customers. Remember, the police presence near your bar has a massive impact on your business. Customers need to feel safe at your bar, although without the sense that these authorities are out to get them.
Step 4
Once the above three steps are taken care of, the rest appears to run smoothly in relation. Now is the time to have all utility services turned on, such as water and electricity. This may require a deposit. The next step is to move in the equipment needed to run your bar, complete with decor. It is always useful to visit auctions as there are plenty of good deals to be found.
Step 5
The essence of a bar is, of course, liquor. In some areas, it is illegal to buy liquor from liquor stores and then sell them in your bar. It is also a cheaper alternative to source a supplier or liquor rep (they deliver). Upon delivery, request decorative items such as neon signs and branded swizzle sticks – this will save you money.
Step 6
Entertainment is the lifeblood of any bar. You will need entertainment on certain days during the week as well as (and more importantly) on weekends. This is your chance to use your creativity. The entertainment should be varied, consistent and relevant to the crowd you wish to attract. Host pool tournaments, live bands and DJ’s, mobile competitions or anything that you feel your customers would participate in. The possibilities are endless!
Step 8
Have as much fun as possible! Running a bar requires long hours and hard work, which you will be overseeing to ensure that illegal activities do not take place and all operations are being carried out according to instruction. Carefully consider candidates to hire as help once the bar is running smoothly, as bartenders, for example, determine much of the crowd and the liquor stocks – they must be warned not to over-serve, regardless of tips!
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