Opening a bar is no easy task. There are many things to remember, and if you forget one, it could mean disaster for your business. We’re sure you’re on top of all the obvious ones like hiring staff and marketing your business, so in this blog we’ll focus more on some of the more common tasks that soon-to-be bar owners or managers tend to forget until the last minute.
- Trademark your name and logo
You’ve probably spent hours upon hours coming up with the perfect name and logo for your bar. But have you trademarked them yet? If not, now is the time to do it! Trademarking your name and logo will protect your business from any legal issues that could arise in the future.
If you’re not sure how to trademark your name and logo, we suggest contacting a lawyer or trademark attorney. They’ll be able to guide you through the process and make sure everything is done correctly.
- Buy a POS system
It’s best to look for pub point of sale systems early, seeing as it’s a crucial piece of equipment for any bar. It allows you to track inventory, sales, and customers. It can also help you run promotions and discounts.
When choosing a POS system for your bar, make sure to do your research. There are many different types of POS systems on the market, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs.
- Get a building inspection
If you’re renting or leasing a space for your bar, it’s important to get a building inspection before signing any contracts. This will ensure that the space is up to code and is safe for customers and employees.
A building inspection can be costly, but it’s worth it to make sure your bar is compliant with all safety regulations. If you’re not sure how to get a building inspection, we suggest contacting your local council or the State Government. They should be able to guide you through the process and provide you with a list of approved inspectors in your area.
Inspections typically take a few hours, so make sure to schedule them in advance.
- Double-check you’ve obtained all the necessary licenses and permits
Before you can open your doors to the public, you need to make sure you have all the necessary licenses and permits. These will vary depending on your location, but some common ones include a liquor license, food license, and smoking permit.
Once you have all the necessary paperwork sorted, make sure to keep it all in a safe place. You’ll need to present these documents to inspectors from time to time, so it’s important that they’re easily accessible.
- Slightly overdo it on inventory levels and staff numbers to be safe
It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to opening a bar, and on the off-chance you get off to a much busier start than expected (in which case, congrats!) you’ll be relieved that you “overdid it” on things like stock ordering and hiring FOH staff.
Running a bar is a lot of work, but if you’re prepared, it can also be a lot of fun. We hope this blog has helped you remember some of the important tasks that need to be done before opening your bar. Cheers!
