Bar Opening and Closing Checklist
This checklist helps bartenders and managers run consistent, compliant shifts from open to close. It turns daily routines into clear, verifiable steps: sanitizing the bar top and tools, confirming dish/glass washer temperatures and sanitizer strength, logging refrigeration/freezer temps, stocking speed rails and glassware to par, verifying POS readiness and cash counts, and securing the venue at the end of the night.
Designed for essentials-only execution, it focuses on safety, hygiene, readiness, and accountability. Answer types keep records clean and audit-ready: [Flag] for pass/fail tasks, [Number] for temperatures, ppm, counts, and cash, [Text] for notes on issues or variances, and [Media] for photo evidence (e.g., ready station, sanitizer test strip, Z-report). These entries create a time-stamped trail that supports inspections, incident reviews, and handovers.
Use it in two parts — Opening to prepare the bar for service (clean surfaces, correct temps, stocked essentials, POS/cash ready) and Closing to reconcile and shut down safely (reports, cleaning, waste removal, utilities off, doors/alarm secured). Print for a simple paper workflow or run it in a mobile app to capture photos, automate totals, and generate instant shift reports. The template can be expanded with venue-specific items (beer gas policy, keg checks, local licensing) while keeping the core steps fast and foolproof.
Bar area floors clean and dry
Tables/high-tops wiped and stable
Chairs/stools set and inspected
Bar top sanitized and free of clutter
Napkins, straws, stirrers restocked
Menu current and clean
Upload photo of ready bar station
Ice machine operational, bins filled
Kegs cold and connected, note low/empty kegs
Refrigerators at ≤ 41°F (record)
Blenders, mixers, juicers tested
POS terminals powered and connected
Backbar bottles filled and labeled
Fresh juice/syrups dated
Open wines dated and vacuumed
Beer taps flushed 10–15 sec before service
Restock beer/wine backup (cases/bottles)
Float prepared, opening cash count (currency)
Receipt paper stocked at POS/printers
Note any shortages, issues, or maintenance needs
Handwash sinks stocked (soap/paper/hot water)
Bar tools sanitized and air-dried
Close POS, Z-report number
Cash drawer counted, closing cash (currency)
Comps/voids logged with reasons
Beer/wine/spirits variances noted
Kegs changed/emptied today (count)
Open wine re-sealed/vacuumed
Spoilage/breakage recorded
Bar top and mats cleaned/sanitized
Speed rails wiped, bottles necks cleaned
Glassware washed and racked dry
Sinks, drains, and floor troughs flushed
Ice wells drained/covered, scoop stored off-ice
Blenders/mixers disassembled and sanitized
Cutting boards and knives sanitized/stored
Trash removed, liners replaced
Recycling sorted (glass/cardboard)
Floors swept and mopped
Upload photo of clean bar and floor
All small appliances off/unplugged
Beer gas closed (if policy requires)
Doors/windows secured, alarm armed
Restock needs for next shift
Maintenance tickets created
Incidents or guest issues documented
Key handoff completed














