Bartender Closing Duties Checklist
Daily bartender closing checklist: bar breakdown, sanitizing, cash close-out, tip-out, and bar manager sign-off.
- Estimated time
- 20 min
- Frequency
- daily
- Business type
- bar
- Category
- closing
- Role
- bartender
- Role
- bar manager
Purpose
Close the bar consistently every night with proper breakdown, cleaning, and cash handoff.
Complete this bartender closing checklist after last call. Break down the bar, sanitize surfaces, close all tabs, complete tip-out, and get bar manager sign-off.
Bar Breakdown
Secure product and break down the station.
-
Speed rail cleared and wiped
-
Liquor returned to locked storage
-
Garnishes discarded per food safety policy
-
Ice bins drained and wiped dry
Cleaning
Sanitize bar surfaces and glassware.
-
Bar top sanitized
-
Glassware washed and polished
-
Bar mats and floor cleaned
Cash & Handoff
Close tabs and complete shift handoff.
-
All open tabs closed
Pass / Fail
-
Tip-out completed per house policy
-
Handoff notes for opening bartender (optional)
Note
-
Bartender signature
Signature
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should bartenders do first at close?
- Stop serving at last call, close open tabs, and begin breaking down the speed rail. Return high-value liquor to locked storage before cleaning.
- How is bartender closing different from bar closing?
- Bar closing covers the full venue: refrigeration, inventory, security. Bartender closing focuses on the active station breakdown, cleaning, and shift cash handoff.
- Should ice bins be drained at every close?
- Yes. Drain and wipe ice bins nightly to prevent slime buildup and fruit fly issues. Refill with fresh ice at opening.
- When should tip-out happen?
- Complete tip-out after all tabs are closed and before the bartender leaves. Document amounts on the handoff notes field.
- Who signs the bartender closing checklist?
- The closing bartender signs their section. The bar manager reviews breakdown, cleaning, and cash before final sign-off.