And the answer is a resounding yes! Serving or selling drinks from a mobile bar in UK requires the business owner to have a Premises License and also apply for a Temporary Events Notice (TEN). What other things should I consider? Whether that be starting up or getting on top of your compliance and marketing. It can feel like plucking figures from air at times when you are starting off, as often experience is what guides you here. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. These include: Licencing is the key legality you need to adhere to when starting and managing your own mobile bar business. Anywhere there is alcohol there is always the potential for violence to flair up. Check out this full article we wrote on event insurance, but that can be mainly for organisers of events. A premises license is required a previously mentioned, which will have to be applied from the local council and located from the address where you are storing the alcohol. A Risk Assessment will have to be created and reviewed to make sure you are ready to have all the documents in case your clients ask. Dont forget to include soft drinks and tea and coffee. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Aim of starting the business e.g. What license do you need for a mobile bar business? To get this, you must first gain an accredited qualification to show you understand licensing laws and your social responsibilities in terms of alcohol sales. There are a few other bits of business admin you need to complete before you take your mobile bar on tour. If you are based outside of the UK, please consult local guidance in your region. When do I need it? research and ensure you have all of the proper federal, state, and local licenses to start your Manage Settings I find the service super easy to use! If you are looking to set up a serious business rather than just a hobby, having a website and presence on social media channels will really help take your business to the next level. To help you out, I have listed out a few headers and sub-headings for you to think about when writing your business plan. Required fields are marked *. Take card payments. While not necessarily a business license, its worth noting that in order to use a name for a business, many states require the registration of that name. Aside from a temporary events notice and personal alcohol license, you will also need the following: Getting a mobile alcohol license in the US is a bit more complicated than in the UK and local liquor laws differ from state to state and as such you need to be compliant in each jurisdiction. You can also go for a pop-up sink, with an electric pump and kettle if you want something a bit more extensive. Unless youre running a very small operation indeed, a vehicle or trailer will be your biggest investment. A mobile bar can be anything from a trestle table transported in the boot of a car to an all-singing, all-dancing fitted trailer. You need a TEN if you plan to sell alcohol at your event. And you are looking at a 50-70% profit margin per unit. Start-up and stock costs can be substantial. Do I need a licence to stage an indoor sporting event? Registration is different by location, and you may need a state license or county license, and sometimes both. You can get mobile hand washing units which you fill with hot water and stay warm for a period of hours. You can get up to 50 TENs per year if you have a personal alcohol license. These cookies are required for basic site functions. You will have to pay a small commission on money taken, but its likely customers will expect this service. Whether you choose a mobile truck or bar you are going to need storage for all your equipment and/or truck. You can get a free online quote on there website here. A TEN is a licence supplied by your local authority that covers the supply of alcohol. A TEN can be applied for online and costs 21 (at the time of writing) . What are the benefits of your business to them? There is also a big demand for mobile bars, which is now much a part of the event as the food trucks, food stalls and bands. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. This site is owned and operated by Street Food Central. Word of mouth. Corporations and LLCs register are a little easier in that their name is registered when forming the entity. I hope that this post has helped you in the initial steps of setting up a mobile bar and wish you the best of luck with your project and business! We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. How to sell vape products legally in the UK | Advice Guide After all your hard work and expense in getting started, its essential you protect your investment. Too high, and youll lose punters and money. I'm constantly adding and revising this site, but if there is a question you have about starting a business or need help finding something, please ask! Once your business is more established you will need to consider building a team. There are a range of different approaches you can take when setting up, styling and serving from your bar. Ive written an in-depth review of the 6 best gazebos for market stallsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'streetfoodcentral_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',162,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-streetfoodcentral_com-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'streetfoodcentral_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',162,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-streetfoodcentral_com-leader-1-0_1');.leader-1-multi-162{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. When it comes down to how much mobile bars actually make its totally dependent on a series of factors. According to Eco Vape Ltd managing director Robert Sidebottom: "As a rule of thumb if you are offered a disposable device that has a 'puff' capacity that is greater than 600 and or has more than 20mg/ml of nicotine it is without any doubt illegal to sell in the UK." One example of this is the 'Geek Bar Pro', a 1600 puff device that . Kit can also be taken away from you if you have been considered to have breached the regulations. How to Get a Liquor License (+ 2 Other Bar Licenses You'll Need) - toasttab So where do you start with the business plan? Our work is reader-supported, meaning that we may earn a commission from the products and services mentioned. 15. Offline vs online marketing which is better for your mobile catering business? Hi Clark You will want to contact your county Health Department to verify, but as long as you are licensed to serve ice cream, there shouldnt be any restrictions in adding Boba Tea to the menu. For more information go to the GOV.UK website. cocktails. You can get up to five TENs per year, or 50 if you also hold a personal licence. If youre contracted to supply alcohol for free, e.g., to offer glasses of Champagne at an exhibition stand or a wedding, licences arent necessary. Make sure you take some good photos of your vehicle, you, and your mobile bar in action. A late hours catering licence is required in Scotland. Start a mobile bartending service by following these 10 steps: Plan your Mobile Bartending Service Form your Mobile Bartending Service into a Legal Entity Register your Mobile Bartending Service for Taxes Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card Set up Accounting for your Mobile Bartending Service Check the governments licensing laws or your local authority webpages for full details and costs. The popularity of interactive classes such as cocktail making lessons has also increased in recent years. Many mobile bars are run on a part time basis by people already in the license trade (such as pubs, restaurants, wine bars etc.) Street Food Central is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. A common question among people looking to start a mobile bar business is Do I need a license for a mobile bar?. You can get business support or download business plan templates from the governments website. You have accepted additional cookies. To get a personal alcohol license you will need to do the following: Here is a link to the GOV.UK website of the list of Accredited qualification providers: personal license to sell alcohol. You should also calculate your costs vehicle, equipment, insurance, site fees and so on and work out how much you need to sell to break even. It can often feel confusing. How to start a mobile bar business - Eventunity More and more people are drinking wine in Britain. Street Food Central - All rights Reserved 2023, How To Start A Successful Mobile Catering Business (+ free cookbook & equipment checklist), Street Eats & Big Feats (Food truck cookbook). It may even lead to a partnership! However, you may still be . 03 | Location. To make a start, it would be advantageous to have the following: A top tip is to make sure you regularly update and post content. This is a good moment to consider whether you want just to sell drinks, or provide snacks or meals, too. *Just to flag, this post is aimed at the UK market and based on British legislation and licencing only. And if just beginning a spot, it can take a bit to pass inspection with other local offices when open to the public. Licenses and Permits Needed to Start a Restaurant in London These can be obtained in the UK and require you to pass an exam by an accredited board to receive your licence. Trends change quickly so one advantage of a mobile bar is that you can usually quite easily, and cost effectively, change your bar to meet demand, keep up with trends and stay ahead of the curve. Contact us today to get your mobile bar up and running. You have rejected additional cookies. The Nationwide Caterers Association has put together a handy guide covering all sorts of scenarios where you might need a licence. Systems such as Zettle and Sumup in the UK use a small Bluetooth contactless device that connects to an app on your phone or tablet, see my other post on this here. How to start a mobile alcohol truck? Well, the basics you will need to start a mobile bar are, a truck or mobile bar, cold storage, glassware, a Temporary Events Notice, a Personal Alcohol License and a good drinks list.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'streetfoodcentral_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',159,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-streetfoodcentral_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'streetfoodcentral_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',159,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-streetfoodcentral_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-159{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. How to start up a catering business in tough times, The NCASS office will be closed for the Bank Holiday and reopen on Tuesday 2nd May, NCASS | 180 Lifford Lane | Birmingham | B30 3NU, NCASS is the trading name of Trade Management Services LTD. Think summer festivals to Xmas parties. Our industry-leading Safety Management System is included in all memberships. Smaller bars for private hire at weddings and parties can be set up reasonably cost effectively, but larger operations will need significant investment. What Licenses do I Need to Open a Salon? The Ultimate Guide A3 properties authorise business owners to sell hot food on the premises, and A4 licences authorise business owners to sell alcohol in a bar or pub. What Equipment Do I Need For A Mobile Coffee Truck? A personal licence is granted to an individual, enabling that person to authorise alcohol sales from licensed premises. Licensing typically requires employees have a food handler certificate or food sanitation certification, in addition to the facility being randomly inspected. It makes you look professional, helps you connect to the public and other businesses and can help to bring in some serious revenue. Do what works for you! Alcohol lasts for a long time so unused stock going to waste (like with food) is less of an issue. Shake the mixture well and strain it into the glasses. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Once you pass, you will need to send a copy of your certificate as well as an up-to-date basic disclosure check (around 25) to confirm you have no criminal record. In most cases, you can bartend as long as you have received the necessary training, but when you start supplying alcohol, you would definitely need to acquire a license for your business. event/wedding planners (networking will help with this). They come in a number of different sizes, 2.5m x 2.5m /3m x 3 m/4 m x 8m. Best Bar Hire Options for Your Next Event The bar is often the focal point of any event, providing a space for guests to socialise, Copyright 2021-2023 Spin and Shake Mobile Bar Hire London Company Number 13145369 All Rights Reserved. Alcohol can be sold all year round and is not affected by seasonality. Marketing is essential to boosting your clientele. For website hosting, I use Siteground, which has been amazing for this website but Bluehost is also recommended for ease of use. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. All of the qualification providers are accredited by the Home Office. In order to succeed in this field it is essential that you have good marketing material as your customers are likely to look at several different options. What Type of Liquor License Do Mobile Bartenders Need in 2022? So, consider what you can do to add value. 17. A few tips to help you stand out at events where there is competition: Dont hide your prices away! Another tricky area yes, there are many is calculating how much youre going to charge your customers. According to Vinexpo, the world's largest wine trade fair, wine consumption has risen by 60% . When buying inventory such as tea, tapioca, straws, cups, etc., that are sold to customers, the business can purchase these items tax-free. In this article, I will explain in more detail, what alcohol/liquor licenses and permits are needed for a mobile beer truck in both the UK & US. Youll also need to get a Basic Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and fill in a disclosure of criminal convictions form. This can be a cost-effective way to get started and see if running a mobile bar is the right venture for you. The short answer is definitely yes! What Licenses Does A Bubble Tea Business Need? If youre starting from scratch, youve got quite a learning curve ahead of you, so youll need to do some solid research. First, get a distinctive brand. Achieving a certain percentage of overall sales through the sale of food (often as high as 50% food to alcohol sales requirement) Most mobile bars are not in the situation where opening a commercial kitchen and a catering wing is in . Dont forget to consider how youre going to store, wash and dry your glassware. These cookies help us gather information about website usage. Lets turn our attention to your stock. regarding business licensing. A few quick sums will help you to have a clearer picture of how much money will be going out, how much resource you might need, how much money you could make and how much you will need to break even. Before starting your bubble tea business, be sure to check with the local zoning department to ensure the business can legally operate out of the chosen location. What are the products or services I plan to offer. Continue with Recommended Cookies. When preparing to open a bar, it's important to understand how to navigate your way through the legal landscape of your city's regulatory requirements.There are a number of licenses you're required to obtain in order to operate a restaurant or bar legally - some are simple to obtain, while others can be a bit more complicated.. This could be a garage at home, one that you rent, or secure off-road parking for your alcohol truck. Insurance Factory Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No. Licence holders can continue to authorise alcoholic sells indefinitely. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Related:What is the difference between a sole proprietorship, partnership, Corporation, or LLC? The GOV.UK website has a helpful tool to help you with this. You wont pay organisers as much for a pitch, but will you cover your costs? Some charge considerable amounts but youll make huge profits, too. We get our insurance from Simply Business and they offer great packages and services to get the mobile bar covered against incidents. As a start-up business having a well-defined target market is key in order to help compete with larger and more established businesses. Any business owner, irrelevant of the business type, will advise you the best place to begin when starting a mobile bar business is with your business plan. Check your application form carefully before submitting it! Alcohol is hugely popular all year round at a range of events. Theres no denying that staffing is a headache for many mobile bars. Still unsure? It costs 21 and applies to events attracting fewer than 500 people. What equipment do i need for a mobile cocktail bar, Boost Your Branding with Edible Cocktail Toppers at Your Next Event, Bar Hire Cost Analysis for Events Your Guide to Budgeting, Best Bar Hire Options for Your Next Event, Birmingham Mobile bar, mixologist or bartender hire, Brighton Mobile bar, mixologist or bartender hire, Bristol Mobile bar, mixologist or bartender hire, Cambridge Mobile bar, mixologist or bartender hire, Essex Mobile bar, mixologist or bartender hire, Kent Mobile bar, mixologist or bartender hire, London Mobile bar, mixologist or bartender hire, Manchester Mobile bar, mixologist or bartender hire, Oxford Mobile bar, mixologist or bartender hire, Slough Mobile bar, mixologist or bartender hire, Surrey Mobile bar, mixologist or bartender hire, Watford Mobile bar, mixologist or bartender hire, Mobile Bar ( can be an LED bar or a Portable Flair Station ), Medium sized van to carry the bar and the equipment, A storage/warehouse to store all the alcohol. Setting up a mobile bartending service involves acquiring alcohol licenses and permits, bartending equipment, alcohol vendors and sales venues. Should I use an LLC formation service or do it myself? Would it be better to find a partner whose skills complement your own? When we have nothing else to judge but an image aesthetic is everything! Your licence fee will be based on the number of accommodation or mobile units you offer where a TV receiver is installed or used. If you enjoy attending festivals or events, you might have entertained the idea of running a mobile bar. To give you some inspiration on ways to serve from your bar I have listed a few things that prove popular: On top of deciding what you choose to stock and sell, there are also a range of different and innovative ways you can create and repurpose everyday items into your bar. Automotive Repair Business Licenses - Bureau of Automotive Repair A few states require a business license;however, they are more commonly found at the city level. See the full disclaimer and privacy statement. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Related: Guide to starting a bubble tea business. I have, however, broken down the set-up process in some bullet points to help keep you on track: There are a few key things to register and apply for when starting up your business: Its advisable to keep both your personal and business finances separate.