Bar cleaning checklist

First, walk through the checklist with your team, explaining expectations for each item. Make completion part of your closing procedures, with managers reviewing completed checklists daily. Consider rotating cleaning responsibilities to ensure everyone understands proper standards, and use completed checklists during staff meetings to address any recurring issues.

The most effective approach is to complete this checklist at closing time when the bar is empty and staff can thoroughly clean without customer interruptions. However, you might also implement a shortened version for mid-shift cleaning during slow periods or create a separate opening checklist to verify the previous shift’s work before starting service.

Review each section and add items specific to your bar’s equipment, surfaces, and glassware types. Consider your bar’s layout and add location-specific items like “clean behind draft beer system” or “sanitize garnish station.” You can also adjust the frequency to indicate daily, weekly, or monthly tasks depending on your needs.