How to Get a Liquor License

You are going to want to serve alcohol at your pool hall. For the purposes of this article I define alcohol as liquor, beer, and wine. It is the major income source for your business. Alcohol sales can be 1.5 to 2x table rental sales. Some of my consulting clients have thought of going with "alcohol free" family rooms, but its hard to make the numbers work.

With that said its crucial you understand what is involved with applying for a liquor license. Delays in getting your permit due to a missing form or incomplete application will cost you money in lost sales. At worst, not knowing the process and doing it correctly could mean your application will be declined. Not good since you will have already signed a lease.

Small Business Insurance Basics

Small Business Insurance Basics

Insuring your pool hall business is crucial, and after rent and utilities, is one of your larger expenses. Its also the least understood by the new owner. 

At the very least you'll need property insurance, liquor liability insurance, and workers compensation insurance.

The information below is a good primer, but I can't stress this enough, work with your insurance agent to understand all your required policies and options.

Podcast Interview: Starting a Pool Hall Business

    Matt Thomas, creator of the StartingABiz.com website and podcast was kind enough to invite me onto his show. We spent about 30 minutes talking through the steps of opening a billiards business, about getting funding for your pool hall, choosing a location, bringing in the most lucrative players, bringing in pool tournaments, follow-up marketing, hiring a manager and employees, and much more.

  Here's the link to the podcast and transcript of the interview. I hope you find the information useful. 

http://www.startingabiz.com/starting-a-pool-hall-business/

Regards,

Brad