Bar Manager Checklist
This checklist gives bar managers a clear, repeatable routine from opening to closing. It focuses on the essentials that protect guests, staff, and revenue: cash handling, licensing visibility, sanitation controls, refrigeration temps, draft system checks, staff readiness, and end-of-shift reconciliation. Each item is designed to be quick to verify and easy to audit.
Operational safety and compliance are built in. You’ll confirm sanitizer ppm with test strips, log final rinse temperatures, check ice handling and soda guns, record fridge/freezer readings, and verify first-aid, spill kits, fire extinguishers, exits, and pest monitoring. These controls reduce contamination risk, prevent equipment-related outages, and keep inspections smooth.
The checklist also standardizes service quality and inventory hygiene: POS readiness, accurate menus and allergen info, par levels for speed rails and garnishes, date labels on open bottles/juices, mid-shift spot-checks, incident logging, and supplier/delivery issues for follow-up. Closing steps capture Z-reports, tips, cash counts, waste logs, cleaning, utilities shutdown, and securing the premises.
Answer types keep records clean and audit-ready: [Flag] for pass/fail checks, [Number] for temps, pressures, counts, and cash, [Text] for notes (variances, incidents, maintenance), and [Media] for photo proof (sanitizer strip, ready station, locked safe, clean close). Use it on paper or in a mobile app to assign tasks, require evidence, and generate time-stamped reports for consistent, manager-level control every shift.
Opening cash float prepared ($)
Cash drawer verified, over/short noted
POS terminals online, test sale voided
Receipt paper stocked at all printers
Menus current, pricing and allergens accurate
Licenses and permits posted/valid
Emergency exit lights tested, clear paths
Fire extinguishers in date/unobstructed
First-aid kit stocked
Spill kit available, signage ready
Handwash sinks stocked (soap/paper/hot water)
Ice machine operational, bin clean
Ice scoop stored handle-up, off-ice
Refrigerator temps recorded (°F)
Freezer temps recorded (°F)
Keg room/walk-in organized, no items on floor
Beer line leak check, faucets wiped
Soda gun nozzles/holsters cleaned
Backbar bottles labeled, open dates visible
Open wines dated/vacuumed
Garnish station clean, fresh product dated
Fresh juice/syrups labeled (prep/date)
Dry storage tidy, chemicals segregated
Glassware racks full, chipped/cracked removed
Bar top and mats sanitized
Floors swept/mopped, no slip hazards
Restrooms clean, supplies stocked
HVAC/thermostat set to service levels
Lighting/music to opening standard
Daily specials posted
Shift roster verified, call-outs covered
Pre-shift briefing conducted
Staff uniforms and hygiene check passed
Incident/accident log available
Security cameras operational, storage OK
Alarm system status normal
Wi-Fi (guest/staff) online
Time & attendance devices working
Allergen list and NA options available
Knife/cutting board sanitation verified
Waste management: bins lined, recycling labeled
Pest monitoring stations checked, activity noted
Damaged/expired stock segregated and logged
Supplier issues recorded, follow-up set
Comps/voids policy reviewed with staff
Crowd control max occupancy posted
Upload photo of ready bar station
Mid-shift floor/drain check completed
Guest complaints logged, resolution noted
Near-miss safety events recorded
End-of-shift sales (Z-report) number
Credit tips reconciled
Cash counted, over/short (±)
Deposits prepared, safe verified
Inventory spot-check variances (beer/wine/spirits)
Open garnish disposal per policy confirmed
Juice/syrup waste recorded (oz/ml)
Trash removed, bins cleaned inside/out
Recycling sorted, glass bins cleaned
Floors swept, edges/detail cleaned
Floors mopped with degreaser/sanitizer
Fridge/freezer closing temps (°F)
Small appliances off/unplugged
Doors/windows secured, alarm armed
Maintenance issues noted, tickets created (ID)
Staff incident or performance notes
Social/online reviews scanned, urgent replies flagged
Next-shift restock priorities listed
Upload photo of clean, closed bar














