Readers question:

My mate and I have this idea of setting up a type of beer garden but instead of selling drinks people bring their own drinks but we charge them an entry fee. just wondering if you can see an immediate flaw in this plan.

Well the first, perhaps most obvious point is that drinks (especially soft drinks/mixers) are a high profit margin item, why would you not want to sell them?

What is it about your beer garden that will stand out enough to make it worth paying for entry? You might suggest that buying their drinks down the supermarket/off license and them paying for entry to your beer garden would be a cheaper day/night out, however the reality is that unless you are catering to the student market drinks are not price sensitive. People will generally choose to go the the bar/pub that has the atmosphere they prefer.

On that note if you’re aiming at the younger market (18-35) getting the girls in will mean the boys follow. Providing a quieter more up market venue will appeal to the older clientele and a family friendly area will attract young families. So think who your market is and target the business idea at them.

Depending on your location a beer garden could work well throughout the summer months running as a series of themed events - Aussie BBQ, Midsummer Madness etc. you can then increase your profit by selling food at the events, possibly upping the cost of entry and including free food.

Asking John:
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