Buying a bar in Spain is a risky business these days (probably always has been)
There are 5 important rules that should never be broken -
1. Use an independent lawyer (not the one the agent recommends)
2. Do not trust any agents, ever
3. Sign nothing you do not fully understand
3. Only ever pay a deposit through your lawyer, never to an agent or seller direct
4. Use an independent lawyer (not the one the agent recommends)
You will find some good free help if you are buying a bar in the Spain Business Guide at the Buyers Guide To Bars In Spain Although written about Benidorm it applies to buying any type of bar or small business in Spain.
WARNING: Licence issues are the biggest cause of serious problems for new bar owners. Always ask to see the current licence. This will have the date it was issued. A good indication of how long the business has been operating. It should be in the name of the person who holds the lease - not the landlord. If you are told it is in the process of being sanctioned by the town hall - WALK AWAY. If you are shown a receipt for payment of the licence fee - This is NOT a licence and offers no guarantee one will be granted, or that the way the bar is operated is legal. For example the terrace may be illegal, there may have been alterations to the building since the last licence was issued that did not have correct planning permissions etc. Licences are public record, you can therefore go to the local town hall and tell them the address of the bar and ask if it has a licence. They are happy to tell you.
Sadly up to 70% of those who buy a bar will fail within two years and 80% of those who do not use a proper lawyer have problems in the first 6 months with local regulations, licences, terraces, live music etc. So do read the guide as it has some sound advice and may offer you some help with the Do?s and Dont?s for before jumping in head first.