Bartender Duties Checklist
Daily bartender SOP covering pre-shift prep, responsible service, pour standards, and shift handoff duties.
- Estimated time
- 15 min
- Frequency
- daily
- Business type
- bar
- Category
- training
- Role
- bartender
- Role
- bar manager
Purpose
Ensure every bartender follows consistent service standards throughout their shift.
Bartenders complete this SOP at the start of each shift. Review the 86 list, confirm ID and pour policies, and record handoff notes before leaving the bar.
Pre-Shift
Prepare for the shift before guests arrive.
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Uniform clean and personal hygiene standards met
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Assigned bar station reviewed and stocked
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86 list reviewed with bar manager
Service Standards
Confirm responsible beverage service policies.
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ID check policy reviewed and understood
Pass / Fail
-
House pour standards confirmed
-
Responsible service and cutoff policy reviewed
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Service notes or VIP flags (optional)
Note
During Shift
Maintain bar standards throughout service.
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Bar top wiped and organized between orders
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Glassware restocked as needed
-
Open tabs monitored and closed promptly
Shift Handoff
Document notes for the next bartender or closing shift.
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Shift notes recorded for next bartender
-
Low inventory items flagged for reorder
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who should use the bartender duties checklist?
- Every bartender on shift completes this SOP at pre-shift. The bar manager reviews and signs off at handoff.
- What pour standards should bartenders follow?
- Use your house pour specs: typically 1.5 oz spirits for standard pours. Confirm jiggers or measured pours are used on every drink.
- When should ID checks happen?
- Card anyone who appears under 30 before serving alcohol. Record pass/fail on the checklist to confirm the policy was reviewed at shift start.
- What is an 86 list?
- The 86 list tracks items the bar has run out of. Bartenders review it at pre-shift so they do not promise unavailable drinks to guests.
- How does this relate to bar opening and closing checklists?
- Bar opening/closing SOPs cover facility setup and shutdown. This bartender duties SOP covers in-shift service behavior and handoff communication.