I am looking at the idea of opening a pool hall on Ambergris Caye. Either a new location or taking over an existing one. Even the possibility of adding on to an existing bar that has room for expansion. Is there a lot of existing places to play now? Not looking to make a fortune. I just retired and looking for a little adventure and getting away from the snow and ice. I would look at other small towns in Belize. Would also consider a partner to get something going. Lookin at coming down in March or April 2015. Any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated.

Square footage is the big issue. You need 28' x 50' unobstructed just for 6 standard tables in a 2x3 configuration or 40' x 35' for a 3x2 configuration. That doesn't include traffic room and bar space. Anything that size is going to cost a pretty penny. The old Island Supermarket would have been a good spot or the new Atlantic Bank location before they moved in (less tables). Six decent tables will run around $30,000US before shipping and duty. All said, if you build it we will come.

Thanks Simon
How hard is it to get a liquor licence in Belize? Is there many places that have pool tables in Ambergris?

Easy, I've done it a few times, not a big problem. Cholos is a huge success and I feel it's due to the location (on the beach center of town). Packed with regular costumers from when they open at 10 am till close.

Cholo's is a bar with a pool table. That doesn't exactly qualify as a pool hall. In my book a pool hall has a minimum of 4 tables. Most of the halls I frequented in Canada had 10 or more. This was my last regular and has been in business for over 25 years, they have about 12 tables [img]//ambergriscaye.com/forum/uploads/files/usergals/2016/01/full-4407-1661-11986437_1035017566564245_70125155212411[/img] Unfortunately, my favorite - The Academy of Spherical Arts closed in 2012 [img]//ambergriscaye.com/forum/uploads/files/usergals/2016/01/full-4407-1662-academy_of_spherical_arts_pool_2_1024_54[/img]

That's an OK definition but don't forget alcohol, laziness, gambling, smoking and philandering. Cholo's has points there.

Too true. If you want a real pool hall, that's the kind of thing you want to avoid (except maybe the gambling) but then again those are the things that pay the bills.