| Each year thousands of foreigners buy a bar in | | | | The main thing is that you must have passing |
| Spain, all with varying degrees of success and the | | | | traffic to stand a chance. There are too many |
| whole process can be a nightmare if not done | | | | bars in Spain for people to simply go round looking |
| properly. Although sometimes it can work on your | | | | for you [unless you are offering something |
| own, it is normally a disaster if you buy a bar in | | | | unique].SizeThe bigger the bar, the bigger the |
| Spain without using a qualified agent to help you. | | | | expenses, the more staff you need. Only buy |
| You have to remember that the laws are very | | | | what you can cope with. You may be advised to |
| different in Spain and over the years, especially | | | | buy small to start with then maybe move on |
| on the Costa's, a very dangerous breed of crook | | | | later.BudgetSet your budget and stick to it. If you |
| has evolved; there are thousands of conmen | | | | buy a bar in Spain for 30,000 pounds, make sure |
| itching to get their hands on your money and the | | | | you have at least 10,000 more for the first few |
| scams they pull are endless and complicated. | | | | months. Don't over commit yourself or you will |
| There are even unscrupulous agents with no | | | | fail.LicencesEvery bar in Spain must have a licence |
| morals that can cost you thousands.The choice of | | | | to open. Make sure that your agent checks this. |
| bars available varies considerably from little back | | | | This is vital. If you buy a bar without a licence |
| street watering holes to full music venues and | | | | [this happens a lot when you buy without an |
| quality restaurants. The prices vary too from a | | | | agent], you will almost certainly be closed down |
| few thousand pounds up to millions.If you choose | | | | within a short space of time. The police are very |
| the right agent who should give you clear and | | | | strict on this and non-compliance can cost you |
| honest advice, providing you purchase in the right | | | | everything. To stage live music in a bar in Spain |
| area, you stand a good chance of making a good | | | | you have to have a music licence. These are rare |
| living. Do not however, think that running a bar in | | | | and very difficult to obtain. The EEC regulations |
| Spain is going to be an extended holiday ! Be | | | | for such venues are strict and complex.CostsOn |
| prepared for long hours and lots of little problems | | | | top of your purchase price you will have other |
| - all of which can be solved quite simply and most | | | | expenses; |
| can be prepared for well in advance.By no means | | | | Your legal fees - check the amount |
| is this page intended to be a full guide; the idea is | | | | Rent in advance - normally 3 months |
| that we give you a little insight into the way | | | | Stock - Initial stock may be included but needs |
| things work in Spain and things to be aware | | | | topping upStaffYou will normally not have any |
| of.Important things to consider when buying a bar | | | | problem staffing your bar in Spain, especially if |
| in Spain;LocationIf you intend to serve to a tourist | | | | you need seasonal staff. Be careful though; if you |
| market then the coastal strips such as the Costa | | | | employ staff on a cash basis you stand the |
| del Sol are perfect. If you find the right location | | | | chance of being prosecuted ! Talk to your Gestor |
| on the coast you may also tap into the huge | | | | (accountant) about contracts.For more detailed |
| foreign resident market. Sea front bars are not | | | | info, get my book at: |
| always the best choice. They may be busy in the | | | | |
| summer but can be quiet in the winter. Back | | | | mailto:Xander Martin is A British Expat living in |
| street bars are often the locals for residents, | | | | Spain. |
| providing that you can give them what they want. | | | | |