Capacity, Bills, and some Misc questions

[DJKling]

Hello all,

I'm currently in the process of moving from event promotions into owning my own venue. Although it will be primarilly an "event space", it will essentially be formed around the laws governing a nightclub (dancing, liquor licenses, etc).

I'm currently looking at leasing some industrial/commercial space and was wondering, what king of capacities can be expected based on square feet? I know it varies on application, but does anyone know what a good average estimate is?

Also, aside from my lease, what kind of insurance costs are common and WHO provides the insurance? Who do you contact for estimates?

Aside from a liquor license, a business license, a DBA... i need the certification from OSHA (some places) and the health department... but what else? Do i need a catering license if i provide anything more than drinks?

What other outlets should i be contacting?

I will be hiring a lawyer at some point, but for now i'm trying to figure out a budget for running the place

I plan on starting small and working into bigger places over time. Fortunately, as a production company i already have a following for events, i would just like a more accurate cost.... I only plan on 2-4 events a month, so maximizing profits will be a big deal, but on my physician salary i can always float a little time if needed.

Any help appreciated!

[Largo Robert]

A few dollars spent on a lawyer understanding your questions will make building a financial model MUCH easier.

Lawyers, properly managed, don't cost. They pay.

[DJKling]

I realize that, if not a numerical value, what do you typically pay in power when the building is simply "there"? anything? I dont plan on hot water, the restrooms will initially be portables (yes, i know, sounds weird, but its more concert venue than nightclub, if it profits i'll build out), and others... but power, insurance, etc... are you guys getting hammered?

Where does the insurance come from?

and... what kind of lawyer do you guys get?

[teenclub]

call me in the afternoons

727-417-6838

[DJKling]

call me in the afternoons

727-417-6838

i work most afternoons, and am on call (in a trauma resuscitation room, its hard to get away)

how about sending me an email to

djkling at ravefix.com (i put it like that to prevent the phishing that some emails have, add the @ as appropriate)

and i'll discuss this with ya as soon as i have a day off!

thanks for the help

[teenclub]

well afternoons, evenings...just not mornings :)

too much to type out

[DJKling]

well afternoons, evenings...just not mornings :)

too much to type out

yea, i know how that goes

fortunately i'm still over a year out from acquiring property, i'm just trying to figure out if i can support the funding wihtout taking any loans or outside sources

[JosiesBar]

I can't imagine any health department allowing any permanent structure, like the one you talk of, to use porta-johns for bathrooms. I know here in KS you must have, as a minimum, hot (must be 125 deg.) and cold running water, working toilets, paper-towels, and hand soap.

[owneroper]

I think most utility companys charge a minimum for service, fairly low. Nothing to worry about