Open a wine bar, a tapas bar, a beer bar, and a lounge bar. Do you like the idea? Beyond the steps related to any business creation (such as the choice of legal status, for example), other points specific to your sector deserve reflection.
1. Obtain A License To Sell Alcohol As Soon As Your Bar Opens
To offer alcohol to customers of your bar or in recommended hangout place in Bangkok (โลเคชั่นแฮงค์เอาท์แนะนำในกรุงเทพ which is the term in Thai) for example, you will need to obtain a liquor license (subject to conditions), and more specifically:
a license III (known as a “restricted license”) to sell non-distilled fermented beverages (wine, beer, cider, etc.), naturally sweet wines, wine-based aperitifs, fruit liqueurs with less than 18° alcohol, etc.;
or a license IV (known as a “grand license”), to have the right also to sell rum, distilled alcohol, etc.
As for non-alcoholic beverages, no authorization is required. You need to provide, as soon as your bar opens, a certain number of references (fruit or vegetable juices, sodas, lemonades, syrups, sparkling water, etc.), a sample of which you will display for your customers, through a separate display from that of alcoholic beverages.
2. Find Out About The Possible Opening Hours Of Your Bar
Prefectural decrees or mayors set bars’ opening and closing times if they wish to adopt more restrictive measures. The slots can therefore vary from one department and from one city to another. Occasional exemptions are possible during special events (music festivals, etc.) or at your request.
Be careful; failure to respect the opening hours of bars exposes you to penalties that can go as far as the administrative closure of your establishment.
3. Open Your Bar Around A Key Element: It’s Counter
It is the centerpiece of your establishment: your counter. It is around him that your bar will come alive. It is also he who will give character to the whole piece. Pay special attention to it!
Your bar counter must meet a double expectation:
For your customers: it must be attractive (you can display your range of drinks there);
The space behind the counter must be ergonomic for you and your employees. Storage, worktop: you must have everything within easy reach, without moving from one end to the other. Make sure you can move around quickly.
4. Open An Attractively Decorated Bar
The challenge will consist in choosing furniture and decoration:
which reflect the personality of your bar (both in the choice of lights for a more or less confidential atmosphere and in the arrangement between large tables to be shared or benches for small groups, for example);
that offer a certain comfort to your customers, including sound (depending on the desired atmosphere, it may be advisable to opt for materials that absorb sound);
And which are functional: you will often handle tables and chairs. Pay attention to their weight (especially if you have to stack them), ease of maintenance, and sturdiness.
Note: in your development project, do not forget to consider the standards specific to establishments open to the public and those relating to safety.
