How to Create Opening and Closing Checklists for UK Bars

Opening and closing checklists are the unsung heroes of smooth bar operations. In this guide, we’ll show you how to create bar opening and closing checklists that actually work — with examples and UK-specific guidance. 

Why Bar Opening and Closing Checklists Matter

Running a bar is fast-paced and detail-driven. There’s little room for guesswork, especially during the rush. A good checklist:

• Keeps staff on track

• Ensures food safety and alcohol licensing compliance

• Reduces training time

• Boosts accountability and hygiene standards

According to the Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025, in which 200 UK restaurant managers were polled on running an establishment, 83% of operators use both opening and closing checklists, and 84% of those update them monthly or quarterly to stay aligned with operational changes. 

The State of UK Bars in 2025

The bar and pub sector is facing evolving expectations. Guests are dining out less often, but expecting more from each experience. 

According to Toast’s Voice of the Restaurant Industry in the UK report, operators say their top challenges are managing health and safety standards, driving repeat visits, and keeping teams productive amid labour shortages — all of which can be supported by consistent, well-executed opening and closing checklists.

Essential Elements of a Bar Checklist

Based on input from UK operators and insights from our survey, the following elements are considered most important when building effective bar checklists:

• Cleanliness tasks (e.g., sanitising ice bins, wiping surfaces)

• Inventory prep (e.g., checking stock, garnishes, mixers)

• Staff accountability (e.g., delegated roles and sign-offs)

• End-of-day reporting (e.g., tip tracking, till reconciliation)

Opening Checklist Tasks (Bar Team)

Opening your bar properly sets the tone for the entire shift. Here’s what a typical bar opening checklist might include:

• Wipe down the bar and stools

• Restock garnishes, napkins, glassware, and mixers

• Fill ice wells and sanitise bar tools

• Turn on the EPOS system

• Set lighting and music to match mood and brand

• Hold a pre-shift meeting to review specials and goals

Real-World Insight:

At Le Bab in Battersea, management credits their use of Toast’s EPOS and handheld systems with reducing table turn times to just 35–40 minutes, even during busy dinner rushes.

Closing Checklist Tasks (Bar Team)

Closing procedures help set the next shift up for success while keeping hygiene top of mind. Include:

• Burn and sanitise leftover ice

• Clean the soda gun and spill trays

• Take out rubbish and recycling

• Count the till and calculate tips

• Lock up spirits and valuables

• Restock for morning service

Kitchen Opening & Closing Checklist (If Applicable)

Many UK bars also serve food. Here’s what to include for back-of-house teams:

• Opening: Pre-heat fryers and ovens, restock prep stations, check fridge temps

• Closing: Clean all surfaces, organise walk-in cooler, label leftovers, turn off equipment

Manager Opening & Closing Checklist

For general or operations managers, checklists are a way to maintain standards and lead by example.

• Confirm cash float

• Review inventory levels

• Conduct walkthrough for cleanliness and compliance

• Set daily sales objectives

• Delegate duties across staff

Staff Training & Consistency

Even the best checklist is only useful if it’s followed. Use checklists as part of your staff onboarding and ongoing training. According to the Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025, 49% of UK operators prefer short training videos as their top resource for operational improvement, while 28% want downloadable guides.

Top Tip: Laminate your checklists and use dry-erase markers to make them reusable. Post them at each workstation so staff can refer to them at a glance.

Cleanliness & Food Safety

Bars are under more scrutiny than ever when it comes to hygiene. In the same survey, 74% of UK operators ranked cleanliness as their top priority for operational success, even ahead of profitability.

Helpful guidance on cleanliness requirements for bars in England can be found via the Food Standards Agency.

Leverage Technology

With the right restaurant tech, you can automate task reminders, track staff performance, and streamline processes across multiple sites.

Take Urban Leisure Group, for example. By implementing Toast’s handheld devices, they revolutionised table service — reducing walkouts by 50% and enabling efficient service on upper floors, even with limited staffing. Their backend system also made it easy to update menus and monitor performance in real-time.

Ready to Build Your Own?

Use our free checklist template below to start building your bar’s routine — and customise it to suit your team, menu, and layout.