Micro business

[powersln]

This is most likely a horrible idea but I wanted some feedback.   I'm a software developer who wants to start a micro business.   My idea is to start a beer of the day website that will "deliver" a new beer everyday to people in my neighborhood.   I'm aware that this will be a very low grossing business.   I'm not expecting to make much more that $100 a month.   Anyway, I'm aware that you cannot mark up alcohol and sell it.   I'm also aware that in the state of Ohio (which is where I'm located) you cannot legally transport by rail or motor carrier without a permit (http://www.com.ohio.gov/liqr/permitClasses.aspx).    What I plan on doing is buying the alcohol at retail and charging a delivery fee.   The way I plan on not breaking the transport law is to literally deliver on foot (think milk man).

I want to do this to create more of a community in my neighborhood, get some exercise(by hand delivery), and maybe make a little side money.   The website will have the option to buy the "beer of the day" from a licensed alcohol seller (and hopefully get referral credit) and also have a forum for my neighbors to discuss the beer.   

Sound like a horrible idea?   Is is legal?

[dragoncar]

It sounds like more trouble than it's worth (regulatory and liability issues).

You may want to research http://www.rewinery.com/ as they do wine delivery in SF.

[soccerluvof4]

yea i don't see that one flying. Thats a business the goverment is all over in so many ways. Maybe just a website delivering emails of deals of the days on different products form different stores or something and work out a payback but I would think there are better things you could come up with.

[Thegoblinchief]

Some thoughts:

1. Before you do anything, talk to the relevant liquor licensing authority. State laws are one thing, but it's the municipality/county that really matters.

2. Do it by bike, and do it once a week. That would be hell of a lot more efficient. Doing it every day sounds like a way to waste a lot of time.

3. Talk to some liquor stores. Maybe you could piggyback on their license, or work for them as a delivery guy? Liquor laws are screwy, but you'd think it would be "easier" to offer liquor delivery than requiring people to drive to the store.

4. If it's really about community, though, start a beer tasting club. Some liquor stores in my area actually have tasting rooms for events. Network with home brewers. Lots of ways to do it. Best if you are also a home brewer, even if you're not very good :)