Bar Service Standard Operating Procedure Checklist

Master the art of exceptional bar service! Download our comprehensive Bar Service Standard Operating Procedure checklist - your essential guide to flawless cocktails, impeccable guest experience, and consistent hospitality excellence. Perfect for bartenders, managers, and hospitality professionals.

This Template was installed 4 times.

Pre-Service & Setup

1 of 9

Tasks to be completed before the bar opens for service, ensuring a clean and well-stocked environment.

Ice Level Check

Stock Levels - Beer (Kegs/Bottles)

Stock Levels - Liquor Bottles (Count)

Stock Levels - Mixers (Ounces/Units)

Glassware Check – Cleanliness & Quantity

POS System Startup & Test Transaction

Last Deep Clean Date

Bar Opening Time Confirmed

Guest Greeting & Order Taking

2 of 9

Procedures for welcoming guests, taking orders accurately, and providing excellent customer service.

Initial Greeting Phrase

Note Guest Preferences (if applicable)

Number of Guests in Party

Offer Food Menu?

Identify any Dietary Restrictions/Allergies?

Record Any Special Requests

Repeat Order Back to Guest?

Beverage Preparation & Service

3 of 9

Standardized methods for preparing cocktails, pouring drinks, and ensuring quality and consistency.

Standard Pouring Technique

Standard Jigger Size (oz)

Detailed Instructions for Classic Cocktail Preparation (e.g., Old Fashioned)

Garnish Availability (Check all that apply)

Ice Quality

Note any inconsistencies or deviations in beverage preparation

Time ice replenishment needed

Responsible Alcohol Service

4 of 9

Guidelines and procedures for preventing over-service and adhering to legal requirements.

Check if valid photo identification is presented by all guests appearing under the age of 25.

Number of drinks served to a visibly intoxicated guest (if any).

Was a refusal of service necessary? (Due to intoxication or other reasons)

If a refusal of service occurred, provide details (reason, guest response, actions taken).

Did you observe any signs of intoxication in a guest (slurred speech, unsteady gait, etc.)?

Estimated BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of guest(s) of concern (if assessed; *not required, but helpful for documentation*)

Did you offer food and/or water to potentially intoxicated guests?

Time of last drink served to guest(s) of concern.

Cash Handling & POS Operations

5 of 9

Procedures for accurately handling cash, using the Point of Sale (POS) system, and processing transactions.

Starting Cash Drawer Count

Transaction Count Reconciliation

Total Cash Received

Credit Card Transactions Total

POS System Version

Notes on Discrepancies (if any)

Cash Drop Method

Time of Cash Drawer Closure

Bar Cleanliness & Maintenance

6 of 9

Daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks to maintain hygiene and prevent equipment failure.

Frequency of Floor Cleaning (times per shift)

Frequency of Glassware Polishing (times per week)

Areas to be cleaned daily:

Record any maintenance issues discovered:

Date of last deep clean of equipment (e.g., ice machine):

Condition of ice machine filters:

Upload photo of back bar cleanliness check:

Water Pressure at Sink (PSI)

Inventory Management

7 of 9

Procedures for stock rotation, monitoring usage, and ordering supplies.

Initial Stock Levels (Liquor)

Initial Stock Levels (Mixers)

Par Levels - Vodka (Bottles)

Par Levels - Gin (Bottles)

Date of Last Inventory Count

Notes on Stock Rotation Issues (e.g., slow-moving items)

Method for Stock Ordering (e.g., Automated, Manual)

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) - Key Ingredient (e.g. Citrus)

Emergency Procedures

8 of 9

Actions to be taken in emergency situations, including spills, injuries, and security breaches.

Identify Emergency Exit Routes

Spill Response Procedure Description

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Date

First Aid Kit Availability

Evacuation Drill Procedure Details

Contact Numbers Displayed

Security Breach Response Plan

Closing Procedures

9 of 9

Tasks to be completed at the end of the service period to ensure security and readiness for the next shift.

Closing Time Confirmation

Cash Drawer Count & Reconciliation

Incident Report (if applicable)

Equipment Shutdown Checklist

Stock Levels (Record any low stock)

Notes on Bar Condition/Issues

Closing Bartender Signature

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