I want to open a bar...

brains

I am a student at the minute, but I want to complete my degree. After my degree it will not be as usefull as I thought it would be when I first started (long story). But basically, I'll be stuck for a career path. The thing is my mam is thinking of remortgaging the house and giving me roughly £15,000 to try and start up a business.

I was thinking about a bar and whether this sum would be realistic. I thought it would never be enough. Anyone have any experience of opening a bar and what the costs are?

I would think the building would have to be a lease of some sort. Then the funds would be invested in re-decorating and stocking up the bar. I know that stock can be very expensive, and labour costs especially door staff can be even more.

I am even considering going into a partnership, which would mean £30,000-£40,000 available.

Any advice is appreciated, thanks.

Bargainbabe_2

I think you might get a better response posting on this board:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=27

ManAtHome

Sorry to be a bit of a gloom-monger, but start-up costs can be substantial.

You'd normally have to pay a 'premium' for a lease - can be anything from 20k to well over £200k, plus any re-furb you may like (not always necessary), plus stock, plus fixtures, plus a bond (in case you do a runner...), plus all the usual survey, finance and legal fees... phew!

You'll also need a personal license (training course + fees around another grand or so), then there's the ongoing cost of staff, accountancy, repairs etc.

Safest way may be to get a 'trainee manager' type of job - you should get the training (probably up to personal license if you're keen) and a chance to see if it really is for you.

A couple of links to Pub trade press for a bit more advice and property costs (mainly pubs, but should be a few bars).
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/
http://www.thepublican.com/