Starting a swingers club

[MNTNcouple 15]

We're interested in starting our own club, but don't have the physical space to host house parties. (Apartment) We were wondering if anyone out there has done this and, if so, what process(es) did you use to achieve this?

 

We know that, in our part of the world, there are specific rules and regulations regarding being a gathering place and being an actual venue. One requires you to pay taxes and meet a bunch of codes. The other, not so much.

 

Our main inquiry lies in finding a suitable premise to host gatherings. A place where we would be free to make minor modifications (not structural rooms, light wiring, etc) How would one find such a place and, furthermore, procure said place.

 

The next issue is that of the city council and how to approach them. Any help on that topic would probably be the most valuable of all.

 

Thanks to any and all who may reply.

 

S&D

[padoc 1,703]

Start with a LOT of money and a really good attorney. You'll need both.

[njbm 2,874]

I wish you the best of luck. You will face resistance at every turn.

[Sawman 84]

A club where the doors are open to paying strangers can be tricky. I suggest traveling to cities with successful clubs, visiting to see how they are set up, and even getting an internship of some kind. You won't be competing with them. Besides the adventure of visiting a new club you can see how each one is the same or different. As pointed out above, capital and legal assistance will be critical, but you need to know the ins and outs of the business. I imagine a commercial washer and dryer would be important.

[GoldCoCouple 4,066]

A long time ago I was told that the best way to ruin a hobby is to try and make it a business. Since then I have seen several friends and acquaintances verify this premise. It takes something that you enjoy and can turn it into a burden. While I have thought about testing this several times in my life, in looking back I'm glad that I have stood my ground. Taking a hobby and turning it into a SEX business...

 

Best way to make a million dollars in ANY new business is to start with two million dollars...

[agreatguy 269]

The couple that owns our favorite club never plays. They are too busy handling all the little things that make it a great club.

[Tabota 40]

Oh boy. So much to consider! Here's just a few thoughts:

 

1) If you want to be licensed (liquor), best way is to purchase an existing business (like a night club or restaurant) that has a license you can purchase along with the physical building. If you apply for a liquor license after you secure your physical location, you can bet the city/municipality will thwart you at every turn. (if you are licensed, a good portion of your income will come from bar sales... without that, you have to charge more at the door to pay your bills... ppl seem put off by high admission prices, but less so for a cash bar)

 

2) If you have a 'friend' or supporter on city council or other municipal office, things could go smoother.

 

3) Don't try to open such a business in plain view. (on main street, in residential areas or high traffic areas)

 

4) Watch zoning (that's the easiest way to shut down a business ppl don't want in their neighbourhood).

 

5) Don't try to do it 'under the table' (without business plan, licenses, etc)That's just stressful and easy enough to get you shut down.

 

6) Do your research... is there already such a business in your area? Are they turning people away each night? If so, then there MAY be room for your business too. But if they are half full each night, another business will just divide the attendees, and neither business will prosper.

 

7) Look perhaps for warehouse space, or space in an industrial park. One place I've been to is no bigger than a 2 bedroom apartment in an industrial park, where no businesses are open at night when they are, so the neighbours don't care and there is plenty of parking right at their front door. There is no residential areas nearby so no problem with petitions and such. And the smaller rooms just make for a smaller, more intimate party. They only need 40 couples to be full, and don't have any trouble doing so. They also only host events 4 nights a month (3 Sat's, 1 Fri) and the rest of the calendar gets filled by member bookings (either for private play, or to host their own parties) that way the owners don't have to do all the work every Fri AND Sat... gives them a break and time to play if they wish.

 

Just some input, hope it helps! (I could go on... there is so much to consider but these are the ones top of my mind) Good luck in your endeavour!!