Bars and pubs for sale

A bar cannot trade without an alcohol licence, and in Denmark the licence is personal. You must apply to the municipality yourself, and you cannot assume you will get the same terms as the previous owner. Ask the municipality early what applies to the premises and whether there have been complaints, warnings or cases. Make the purchase conditional on obtaining the licence. Check also whether the bar has permission for extended opening hours and what it takes to get it in your name.

Bars have many small sales, and spillage, free drinks and shrinkage can eat the margin. Compare till reports with the accounts, VAT returns and bank deposits, and look at the ratio between drinks bought and drinks sold. Never pay for revenue that cannot be documented. Ask about agreements with breweries and wholesalers too: if the bar has received fixtures or discounts in return for a purchase commitment, that commitment often comes with it.

Noise and complaints from neighbours are a classic risk for bars. Ask the landlord and the municipality whether there have been complaints, and whether the lease restricts music or opening hours. Check music licences (Koda/Gramex) and any permits and agreements for gaming machines. Regulars often come for the bartender or the owner, so agree a transition period.

• The municipality’s view on an alcohol licence and opening hours for the premises.
• Till reports against the accounts and drinks purchases.
• Brewery and wholesaler agreements with commitments.
• Complaints from neighbours and restrictions in the lease.
• Music licences and permits for gaming machines.

Read the general advice on restaurants and cafés for sale.