To open a hookah lounge in New York City, you need a waiver of the clean indoor air act. Obtain business licenses, registration, and a marketing plan. Display warning signs about hookah health risks. A non-tobacco permit is now required, and renewals can be done online. People under 21 cannot enter. Hookah bars are clustered in Manhattan with high demand but also high competition. Differentiate your lounge in the business plan. High start-up costs require financing to cover 1 year of operational expenses.
- Shop for hookahs costing between $50-100.
- Check smoking ban laws and consult with the zoning department.
- Consider going mobile or starting the lounge at home.
Legality and Profitability
Average profits for a hookah lounge are about $150,000. The ban on indoor smoking went into effect in 2018, but with the correct permits, it is legal to operate a hookah lounge in NYC.
Start-Up Costs and Planning
High start-up costs mean financing is needed to cover 1 year of expenses. It’s crucial to include detailed strategies in your business plan to stand out in the competitive Manhattan market.