Bar Opening Checklist
Complete before opening bar service.
- Industry: Food & Hospitality
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
- Role: Bartender / Bar Manager
- Total Items: 32
- Compliance: ABC Regulations, Health Department
Equipment & Refrigeration
Check equipment operational.
- Cooler temperatures verified?
- Ice machine stocked and working?
- Draft beer system working?
- POS system operational?
Inventory & Supplies
Verify stock levels.
- Well and call liquor stocked?
- Beer and wine stocked?
- Garnishes prepared and fresh?
- Mixers and juices stocked?
- Glassware clean and polished?
Cleanliness
Check bar cleanliness.
- Bar top clean and sanitized?
- Floor behind bar clean?
- Sinks draining properly?
- Trash containers empty?
Pre-Inspection Information
Initial inspection details and documentation
- Inspector Name
- Inspection Date
- Location / Kitchen Area
- Inspection Type (Routine/Follow-up/Complaint)
- Previous inspection date and findings reviewed?
Temperature Control & Monitoring
Verify all temperature-sensitive equipment and food items
- Refrigerator temperature at or below 41°F (5°C)?
- Freezer temperature at or below 0°F (-18°C)?
- Hot holding foods at or above 135°F (57°C)?
- Thermometers calibrated and functional?
- Temperature logs current and properly maintained?
Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention
Proper food handling practices and contamination prevention
- Proper handwashing observed (20 seconds, soap)?
- Gloves used properly for ready-to-eat foods?
- Raw and cooked foods properly separated?
- Color-coded cutting boards used correctly?
- Allergen cross-contact controls in place?
Food Storage & Labeling
Proper storage, rotation, and labeling of food items
- FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation followed?
- All items properly date-labeled?
- Food stored 6 inches off floor?
- No expired products in storage?
Related Food & Hospitality Checklists
- Restaurant Closing Checklist
- Restaurant Opening Checklist
- Commercial Kitchen Closing Checklist
- Food & Hospitality Food Temperature Log
- Hotel Room Inspection
- Room Inspection Checklist
- Checkout Room Cleaning
Related Daily Operations Checklists
- Restaurant Opening Checklist - FREE Download
- Commercial Kitchen Closing Checklist - FREE Download
- Restaurant Closing Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Bar Opening Checklist?
This bar opening checklist helps food & hospitality teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for bartender / bar manager professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Ensures compliance with ABC Regulations, Health Department. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bar Opening Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 7 sections: Equipment & Refrigeration, Inventory & Supplies, Cleanliness, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention, Food Storage & Labeling. It is designed for food & hospitality operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Who should use this Bar Opening Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Bartender / Bar Manager professionals in the food & hospitality industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.