How to Close Up a Bar: Tips for a Stylish Finish
How to Close a Bar Like a Pro: Your End-of-Shift Rituals
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s shake, sip, and serve up something amazing together.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Closing time, folks! But before you kick off those shoes and head for a well-earned knock-off drink, there’s a proper art (and science) to shutting down the bar. Done right, your venue stays spotless, your tills are balanced, and your team walks away prepped for a smooth start the next day. Let’s dive into how to close your bar like a seasoned pro.
1. Sort the Cash & Clean Up the Tabs
Check Open Tabs—Then Close ‘Em
Before you even think about wiping down the bar, sort out any open tabs in your POS system. Double-check every order has been punched in, promos applied, and no sneaky add-ons went missing. Better to catch it now than explain a loss later!
Accept Those Final Payments
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Cash: Count it back to your guest out loud. Start with the big notes and work down. It looks sharp, builds trust, and makes errors easy to catch.
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Card/Mobile: Confirm the total, tap/swipe, and print or email the receipt. Easy peasy.
Tip: A slick POS terminal saves time and stress—if yours is clunky, it might be time for an upgrade.
Reconcile the Cash Drawer
Count the float, match it to your POS report, and document any differences. Whether it’s an over or under, note it down and flag it for your manager. This kind of transparency keeps everyone honest and on track.
2. Inventory & Leftovers
Run an End-of-Night Stock Check
Grab your clipboard (or tablet if you’re fancy) and get counting:
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Spirits: Fulls and halves
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Beer: Kegs and bottles
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Wine: Open and unopened
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Mixers & garnishes
Anything that’s low? Mark it. Anything that magically disappeared? Track it down. This is also the perfect time to update your inventory system so you’re not playing guessing games tomorrow.
FIFO, Always FIFO
That’s first in, first out for the rookies. Use the oldest ingredients first to minimise waste and keep flavours fresh. If it looks sus, chuck it—nothing ruins a cocktail like off citrous.
Pro Tip: Store leftover garnishes and juices in airtight containers like these BPA-free beauties to keep things fresh longer.
3. Delegate the Dirty Work (Smartly)
Closing duties shouldn’t be a one-person show. Split ’em up:
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Cash & Reports: Leave this to your numbers person.
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Glassware: Someone with steady hands and a love for sparkle.
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Surfaces & Sanitation: Wipe, disinfect, repeat.
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Restocking: Ice, garnishes, bar tools, and napkins—fill ’em up.
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Floors: Sweep, mop, and maybe even bust a move if your playlist is still going.
Use a checklist or whiteboard to keep everyone on task. And don’t forget to mix it up—cross-training keeps things fair and fresh.
4. Team Huddle: Quick, Snappy, Efficient
A 3-minute pre-close team chat can work wonders:
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Reconfirm who’s doing what
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Share any last-minute updates or issues
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Give everyone a chance to flag problems
Set the tone, rally the troops, and finish strong.
5. Clean Like You Mean It
A sparkling bar isn’t just about looks—it’s about health, safety, and setting the vibe for tomorrow.
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Wipe down every surface
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Wash, dry, and stash all glassware and tools
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Sweep and mop the floors
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Refill soap, hand towels, and toilet paper in restrooms
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Empty all bins and replace liners
6. Lock It All Down
Secure the Booze
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Lock liquor cabinets and fridges
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Keep keys with authorised staff only
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Use a simple logbook for who locked up what
Label and Store Perishables
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Airtight containers
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Clearly dated labels
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Refrigerate at proper temps
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FIFO your way to success
Check the Fridges
Keep a log of your temps—no one likes a warm beer or spoiled juice. Calibrate thermometers regularly, clean those coils, and don’t ignore signs of trouble.
7. Shut Down & Power Off
Save your power bills (and the planet) while preserving equipment:
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Power down the POS
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Turn off music and lights
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Check soda guns and taps
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Adjust refrigeration if needed
8. Safety First: Lock Up & Check Out
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Lock all doors and windows (double-check back and side entrances)
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Activate the alarm system
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Do a quick perimeter check
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Use the buddy system when leaving late
A little vigilance goes a long way in keeping your venue safe and secure.
9. Reflect & Rewind
Before you call it a night:
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Tick off your checklist
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Grab your gear (phones, wallets, jackets)
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Say a proper thanks to the team
Never underestimate the power of a good ol’ “cheers for the hard work”—it makes everyone feel seen and appreciated.
Closing a bar properly isn’t just a job checklist—it’s a ritual that reflects the pride you take in your craft. A smooth close means fewer headaches tomorrow, a happier team, and a venue that’s always guest-ready.
Give these tips a try next shift—and while you’re at it, check out some of our favourite bar tools right here to make cleanup quicker and easier.
Thanks for joining us behind the bar!
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licencing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/
Check out more:
A Bartender’s Guide To Inventory Management
Bartender’s duties and responsibilities: The Life Behind the Bar.
Managing Inventory and Cost in the bar
What It Takes To Become A Rockstar Bartender
The Ultimate Bartender’s Guide To Opening The Bar Checklist
Wrapping Up The Night: Guide To Closing The Bar
Sparkling Service: Bartenders Keeping The Bar Area Clean
Balancing Speed And Quality In Bartending
Check out more :
What It Takes To Become A Rockstar Bartender
Bartenders duties responsibilities : The Life Behind the Bar.
Sparkling Service: Bartenders Keeping The Bar Area Clean
A Bartenders Guide To Inventory Management
Balancing Speed And Quality In Bartending
The Ultimate Bartender’s Guide To Opening The Bar Checklist
Wrapping Up The Night: Guide To Closing The Bar
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.