Buy & sell a shisha bar, nightclub and discotheque

Operating a shisha bar produces carbon monoxide from the glowing coal. The responsible authorities therefore regularly require an adequately sized ventilation system, CO warning devices and documented maintenance. Several states have tightened enforcement in this area; business closures for shortcomings are not uncommon.

On top of this comes state non-smoking protection law, which only permits the business under certain conditions, and tobacco tax law for the shisha tobacco used. Anyone taking over an existing bar should review ventilation logs, maintenance records and the latest inspection reports from the regulatory authority before discussing price.

From a certain visitor number, the relevant state's assembly-venue ordinance applies. This brings requirements for escape route widths, emergency lighting, fire alarm systems, smoke extraction and, depending on size, a permanently present person responsible for event technology. Retrofitting these points can be expensive and should be checked before purchase.

The second major block is noise protection. The relevant standard is the TA Lärm (technical noise instructions), with significantly stricter values at night. What matters is not only bass inside the building but also guests outside the door and parking traffic. Properties in pure commercial zones with no adjoining residential development are, for this reason, far more stable in value for night-time business than town-centre locations with flats above.

Closing hours are set by the relevant state law, often with local variations. Whether and how long an extension is possible is a tangible value factor and should be read from the permit decision, not inferred from operating practice.

Transferable are the property or lease, fittings, bar equipment, sound and lighting technology, and to some extent the brand. The catering permit, or notification under the relevant state's catering law, is tied to the operator and must be applied for afresh, including proof of chamber-of-commerce briefing and a certificate of good conduct.

Two things are regularly underestimated: existing conditions attached to the permit decision, and ongoing contracts, for example with drinks suppliers, security services or GEMA (the German performance rights organisation). Both should be on the table before completion. We do not claim or advertise turnover figures; an interested party checks the numbers against the seller's documents.

Enquiries reach us as buy a shisha bar, sell a shisha bar, buy a discotheque, sell a discotheque, take over a nightclub, or club property with licence. Buyers are restaurateurs, operator groups and investors looking for a unit with a secure night-time use.

No property is currently listed in this category. Sellers ideally prepare the permit decision with its conditions, a noise report, ventilation documentation, fire-safety status and an inventory list. Buyers should address noise protection, closing hours and assembly-venue law first. We take on search profiles in confidence.