Pre-drinks in a karaoke bar with a bunch of friends before hitting the clubs is becoming an increasingly popular way of starting a fun night out. Our neighbours in Asia have been doing it for years but here in Australia the idea is only just beginning to catch on.

With the increasing cost of living and taxis at a premium on the weekend, centrally located karaoke bars offer a great alternative location for warm up drinks as opposed to a mate’s place way out in the suburbs. Private rooms cater for groups of different sizes ranging from 4 to 20+ people. Customers can order snacks and meals at a reasonable price and bring their own alcoholic or non alcoholic beverages at no additional cost.

On average, for an hourly rate of $10 - $15 per person, rooms complete with comfy couches and tables can be hired with tens of thousands of latest hits and old favourites available for selection in various languages. There is so much fun to be had, as most seem to build more courage to sing their favourite tune as they consume more drinks. The setting is also private enough to enjoy a chat with friends about the week’s events. For some, it’s also a great place to continue the party or relax and unwind at the end of the night after several hours on the dance floor.

Once everyone is satisfied and ready to hit the clubs, no time will be wasted waiting for public transport or taxis as many karaoke bars located in Sydney’s CBD are within walking distance of the city’s best night spots! Big Echo, a massive Japanese franchise with branches across Asia recently opened its first Australian branch on Bathurst St. Other popular karaoke bars include Red Box on Pitt St and Viva on Clarence St.

In countries like Japan, karaoke bars offer promotions like “nomi hodai” or tabi hodai” (all you can eat or all you can eat in Japanese) where for around $20 per hour, customers can use a hotel room service like intercom to order as much food and drink as they like. These offers are very popular with party goers and would sure to be a hit in Australia. However, entrepreneurs looking to mirror the concept here face a tough challenge due to strict RSA and liquor licensing laws being enforced in New South Wales and the rest of Australia.