How to Open a Hot Bar or Club

My tips are going to be general because rules in each state may vary. Opening a bar or club is more difficult than it may seem. Check your local statutes.

Things You'll Need

• A location
• A liquor license
• A dance license
• Partners with experience in the bar business
• Alcohol
• A cool vibe
• Guests

Instructions

1. Get a liquor license. Unlike most businesses, you can not open a bar or club (that serves alcohol) without getting a liquor license. The most valuable license in California is called a "48" and it allows you to serve only alcohol; other types of licenses require 50 percent of your revenue to come from food.

2. Partner with experienced professionals who have been in the bar business before. In acquiring the license you will have to deal with the ABC (Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco and Firearms), local law enforcement, and numerous local and federal agencies.

3. 

   Remodel the location to give it a cool vibe. It is nearly impossible to move a liquor license from the existing establishment where it resides, so you will likely have to remodel the old broken-down bar you just bought. (It's very rare to find a cool, ready-to-go bar you can afford.)

4. Set up a relationship with a liquor distributor and hire an experienced staff.

5. Begin marketing the bar to the local neighborhood and online. Bring in unique music and other things that appeal to an upscale audience.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't enter the business unless you plan on making a significant investment.

• Look at it as cool place to hang out more than a business investment; that lessens the stress.

• Apply for a dance permit.

• Don't serve underaged people.