How to Start My Own Pool Hall or Billiards Business

If you love to play pool or billiards and want to combine that passion with a knack for entrepreneurial ventures, consider staring your own pool hall or billiards business. Pool halls often thrive because they offer a cozy place for camaraderie, competition and enjoying food and beverages. The popularity of "retro" relaxation activities such as billiards makes pool halls and billiard businesses welcoming locations for daytime and evening socializing. Getting started takes time, money and motivation but researching your approach will increase chances of success.

Instructions

1

Scout the competition by visiting existing pool halls and billiard business in your area to identify a niche. Stop by during slow weekdays or busy Saturday nights to observe pool table rental rates, drink prices, employee uniforms, music selection and customer demographics. If your city already has a handful of sleazy pool hall joints, opt for something more upscale, offering classic martinis and imported cigars. If the competition is upscale and expensive, go for something more casual and welcoming, with comfy armchairs and flat screen TVs.

2

Apply for licenses and permits. Visit City Hall to find out what specific local requirements you'll need to meet. At the minimum, apply for a business license, tax identification number and liability insurance. If you're serving food and beverages, apply for a food permit and alcohol license (these can be expensive and tricky to get, so you might consider holding off on this until business gets going.)

3

Rent or purchase a location for the pool hall or billiards business. You'll want to locate within a safe neighborhood with plenty of parking and pedestrian traffic to attract passers-by. Good locations include strip malls, industrial parks and office districts so that workers can drop by for a burger and game of pool on their lunch break.

4

Equip your pool hall. You'll need pool tables, bar stools, equipment for establishing a bar, couches and dining tables. Customers may appreciate dart boards, arcade games, juke box and a small stage for karaoke nights. Set the stage with warm-toned walls, dim lighting and billiards-themed artwork.

5

Market your billiards business by distributing flyers around town advertising a grand opening with drink specials, free pool rentals, billiards lessons and live entertainment. Contact existing billiards leagues to welcome them to your location, or start your own league to increase the customer base.