Bartender Setup Checklist
This checklist standardizes bartender setup checklist to improve consistency, accountability, and inspection readiness. Use it to document daily controls, verify critical limits, and capture corrective actions for audits. Includes responsible service and license controls aligned to State Alcohol Beverage Control requirements.
- Industry: Restaurants
- Frequency: Monthly
- Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
- Role: Bar Manager
- Total Items: 45
- Compliance: State Alcohol Beverage Control regulations, TTB alcohol compliance (as applicable)
Opening/Setup & Readiness
Verify access, staffing, equipment readiness, and opening tasks before service.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Time spent on this section
- Notes
Food Safety & HACCP Controls
Confirm time/temperature controls, cross-contamination prevention, and allergen safeguards.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Critical temperature recorded
- Photo evidence
Sanitation & Cleaning
Verify cleaning schedule, sanitizer concentration, and pest-prevention cleanliness.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Time spent on this section
- Photo evidence
Service & Guest Experience
Confirm speed, accuracy, hospitality standards, and queue management.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Time spent on this section
- Notes
Cash, POS & Order Accuracy
Verify POS readiness, cash controls, discounts, voids, and order accuracy.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Cash drawer variance
- Notes
Inventory, Receiving & Storage
Verify receiving temps, FIFO, labeling, storage separation, and par levels.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Critical temperature recorded
- Photo evidence
Safety, Fire & Compliance
Verify egress, extinguishers, hood/ansul readiness, and staff safety practices.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Time spent on this section
- Photo evidence
Maintenance & Work Orders
Capture equipment issues, downtime risks, and service tickets.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Time spent on this section
- Notes
QA, Corrective Actions & Sign-Off
Confirm quality, document issues, and capture manager sign-off for accountability.
- QA walkthrough completed?
- Any critical issues still open?
- Overall shift risk level
- Manager Signature
- Team Lead Signature
Related Food & Hospitality Checklists
- Patio/Outdoor Dining Checklist
- Private Dining/Banquet Room Checklist
- Buffet/Salad Bar Checklist
- Takeout & POS Area Checklist
- Restaurant Restroom Checklist
- Valet/Parking Operations Checklist
- Franchise Brand Standards Audit Checklist
- Mystery Shopper Preparation Checklist
Related Front Of House Checklists
- Dining Room Setup Checklist - FREE Download
- Host/Hostess Station Checklist - FREE Download
- Server Side Work Checklist - FREE Download
- Patio/Outdoor Dining Checklist - FREE Download
- Private Dining/Banquet Room Checklist - FREE Download
- Buffet/Salad Bar Checklist - FREE Download
- Takeout & POS Area Checklist - FREE Download
- Restaurant Restroom Checklist - FREE Download
- Valet/Parking Operations Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Bartender Setup Checklist?
This bartender setup checklist helps restaurants teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for bar manager professionals, this checklist covers 45 critical inspection points across 9 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.
Ensures compliance with State Alcohol Beverage Control regulations, TTB alcohol compliance (as applicable). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bartender Setup Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 45 inspection items across 9 sections: Opening/Setup & Readiness, Food Safety & HACCP Controls, Sanitation & Cleaning, Service & Guest Experience, Cash, POS & Order Accuracy, Inventory, Receiving & Storage, Safety, Fire & Compliance, Maintenance & Work Orders, QA, Corrective Actions & Sign-Off. It is designed for restaurants operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Who should use this Bartender Setup Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Bar Manager professionals in the restaurants 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.