COMPARISONS WITH SIMILAR CONTENT
Standard Venue vs. Small Business version of Venue
TEST 1 - BAR
When visiting an owned Bar (I had Nina Caliente purchase Rattlesnake Juice and use the default Bar Preset) the main thing I noticed was less Sims crowded around the bar, and most Sims gathered around the TV. I guess because it's not an official Bar, there could be less of a "push" to drink, because TV watching is also a Business Activity, and there are no Pub Games on the lot by default. Nina was the Bartender as she was it's owner and has no Employees, and she was wearing her Hot Weather outfit (to fit the weather). I set her Employee Tasks to be Tend Bar, Be Friendly, Clean and Repair. At one point Nina might have needed Fun/Social, because she came out from behind the Bar to Watch TV/Chat. She went back when I turned off the TV/cancelled her chatting to me (I was playing as Johnny Zest). I pranked the toilet to break it, but Nina didn't autonomously fix it straight away (I think this is distance related because once I called her over to the restroom, she spotted the break and fixed it).
Observations: In an owned Bar your Bartender will be your Bar Owner or another Employee (anyone you set to Tend Bar). They will not wear a uniform (unless you set a custom one, they will just wear their Everyday/Hot/Cold outfit). Community Lot Bartenders normally Tend Bar, Be Friendly and Clean by default (based on observations). You could add Repairs to this for fixing broken toilets etc in your own Bar, or change the vibe of the place by making them Be Mean instead of Be Friendly. There are no Happy Hour or Themed Nights at owned Bars. Bar Food menu is whatever is the world default, but drink menu depends on Mixologist skill (Community Lot bars require level 5 Mixology), so depending on current Bartender's skills/unlocks, drinks menu could vary. You also wouldn't need to have the same Venue Requirements on an owned Bar - no need for a TV if you don't want it, and no more hiding things in basements. You might have to charge entry/hourly rate to your bar if Sims aren't buying many drinks.