---
title: What is the average pour cost for bars and restaurants?
description: Use Backbar's Bartending FAQ page to answer all of your lingering questions.
---

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## What is the average pour cost for restaurants and bars?

The industry average is a good benchmark to understanding your beverage program's performance, but the numbers by beverage type should only be viewed as a guideline.

 

A "good" cost percentage will vary depending on the type of venue you're working in. Other factors like location and labor costs can dictate what a profitable liquor cost is. 

 

 

[The industry average for total beverage cost falls between 18-24%](https://www.getbackbar.com/liquor-cost-bars-restaurants). below, you can see average pour costs by drink type.

 

![Illustrative chart of restaurant industry pour cost average for liquor cost, wine cost, draft beer cost, and bottle beer cost](https://www.getbackbar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Assets/Infographics/Industry%20Averages%20for%20Pour%20Costs.png?width=1256&name=Industry%20Averages%20for%20Pour%20Costs.png)

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