Before jumping in head first, I strongly suggest you work at a bar in
whatever position you can. Bouncer,Bartender,Barback,Cook, whatever. They will
all give you a better perspective on what a bar is really about. Costs of
doing business are very high
(Rent,Lawyers,Disposeables,Stock,Insurance,Lawyers,Maintenance etc..) but the
profits can be high as well. Bars in NY are usually open about 11am and stay
open till 4am (at least). Many managers and owners I know stay the entire
time. Some people thrive on that type of lifestyle while others hate it. You
also have to look at the current focus of the government on alcohol in general
and how that will effect your ability to generate revenue. In NY a law was
recently passed (it goes into effect soon) that bans "All you can drink"
specials. That means events such as "Ladies Night" where ladies drink free or
where ladies pay one low price to drink for a certain number of hours, will
soon be ileagle. Those types of events are big draws for some bars (especially
in college towns) and if banned, will effect the profits of alot of bars.
I too once had thoughts of owning a bar, until I started bartending. Not
that I hate it or couldn't do it. I just don't want to have to put up with all
the BS that comes with it. Whatever you decide, Good Luck.
-Z