Templates
Bar checklist

Bar checklist

Get everything in order for your bar with this detailed, step-by-step checklist. You’ll cover essential tasks from stocking and setup to managing shifts and closing efficiently.

Use this template with Lumiform

The Lumiform application helps frontline teams uphold internal standards effortlessly.
  • Customize this template or build your own
  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Assign and track corrective actions
  • Get reports and analyse your data
Prices start from ░░░ per month
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Learn more
or Download template as PDF
Bar checklist

Get everything in order for your bar with this detailed, step-by-step checklist. You’ll cover essential tasks from stocking and setup to managing shifts and closing efficiently.

Use this template with Lumiform

The Lumiform application helps frontline teams uphold internal standards effortlessly.
  • Customize this template or build your own
  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Assign and track corrective actions
  • Get reports and analyse your data
Prices start from ░░░ per month
Book a demo
Learn more
or Download template as PDF

This bar checklist template tackles the three critical phases of bar operations: opening preparation, shift management, and closing procedures. It features essential tasks like garnish preparation, equipment setup, cleanliness maintenance, and security protocols. When health inspectors arrive, this checklist hlps you ensure that you’ve maintained compliance standards.

Research shows that restaurants have a first-year failure rate of 17%. This template helps you maintain that consistency by making bar management more straightforward. You can then prevent revenue loss from inventory mismanagement and build customer confidence through visible cleanliness and organization.

Related categories

Preview of the template
Inspection
Opening
Unlock beer & wine coolers & taps
Place floor mats behind bar
Place liners in trash cans and position appropriately
Stock & ice down bottle beer & wine
Cut lemon wheels, wedges and twists, lime wedges, orange wheels and celery
Make garnish skewers
Make sweet & sour, juices, bloody mary mix, pina mix and other mixers
Setup margarita rim salter at each service well
Assemble, fill & start frozen drink machine
Stock straws, cocktail napkins, stir-straws, coasters, skewers, etc. at each service well
Stock rocks glasses, highballs, pilsners, wine glasses, snifters, coffee mugs
Setup blenders & mixers at each service well
Stock bar utensils & supplies (strainer, shaker, jigger, ice scoop, ice cream scoop, wine opener, bottle opener, stirrer, bar mats, pour spouts, etc.)
Ice down and stock garnish caddy with cocktail onions, olives, cut lemons, limes and oranges, twists, and cherries at each service well
Fill ice bins at each service well
Check liquor, beer and wine backups for each service well and back bar
Stock silverware (rollups)
Stock plateware & linen napkins
Stock bar and food menus
Fill bar sink with soap water, rinse and sanitizer
Have back-up beverage canisters and CO2 tanks ready to replace empties
Turn on music, bar TV, etc.
Turn on neon lights and signs
Check if plates and glasses are clean
Check if tables, bathrooms, and bar floor is clean
Get and count opening bar bank
Get new comp & waste log
During Operations
Staff following standard operating procedures when welcoming customers
Kitchen staff following standard operating procedures for cleanliness and safety
Customers are being served food and drink in a timely manner
Staff cleaning spills in a timely manner when they occur
Staff wiping and sanitizing tables before seating new customers
Trash bags being taken out when they're 3/4s full
Bar is being wiped regularly by the bartender
Altercations and incidents of violence involving customers/staff members
Closing
Clean beer cooler
Pour Clorox in floor drains
Polish brass railing
Polish brass and chrome beer taps
Polish espresso machine
Wipe down displayed liquor bottles
Clean bar mirrors
Rotate beer & wine coolers
Clean cash register, credit card terminal, telephone
Clean back bar
Rotate, soak & sanitize pour spouts
Lock beer & wine coolers & taps
Take floor mats to back dock
Empty trash cans
Burn all ice bins
Cover & store all bar fruit (discard as required)
Cover & store all mixers and juices sweet & sour, juices, bloody mary mix, pina mix and other mixers
Clean margarita rim salters
Empty frozen drink machine; refrigerate leftover and clean machine
Re-stock rocks glasses, highballs, pilsners, wine glasses, snifters, coffee mugs
Clean all blenders & mixers
Clean all bar utensils & supplies
Re-stock beer cooler
Re-stock liquor empties
Wipe down service well liquor bottles
Clean & soak soda gun nozzles
Wipe down bar top
Wipe down & put up bar stools
Empty & clean bar sink
Sweep & clean bar floor
Turn off music, bar TV, etc.
Turn off neon lights and signs
Count bar bank
Complete comp & waste log
Completion
Name & Signature of Manager
This template was downloaded 186 times

Frequently asked questions

How can I customize this bar checklist for my specific establishment?

You can easily adapt this template by adding items specific to your bar’s layout and offerings. Focus on your unique equipment, signature drinks that require special preparation, and any venue-specific opening or closing procedures. Keep the core structure intact while tailoring sections to reflect your bar’s workflow and priorities.

What should I do when I notice recurring incomplete items on my bar checklist?

First, determine if the issue stems from time constraints, unclear instructions, or lack of training. Meet with staff to understand obstacles they’re facing rather than simply enforcing compliance. Consider redesigning workflow if certain tasks consistently get missed, perhaps moving them to slower periods or redistributing responsibilities among team members.

How do I train new staff to use the bar checklist effectively?

Pair new employees with experienced staff members who already understand the checklist workflow. Walk through each section explaining not just what to do but why it matters. Create a training video showing proper completion of key tasks. Check in frequently during their first few shifts to answer questions and reinforce the importance of thorough completion.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.