Lesson 1Continuity when cleaning staff arrives in morning: handover notes, overnight observations, and open items trackingThis section explains how to prepare clear handover notes for morning staff, document overnight observations, track unresolved issues, and ensure that cleaning plans, repairs, and follow-ups continue smoothly across shifts without any gaps.
Writing concise, actionable handover notesDocumenting spills, stains, and damage foundFlagging maintenance and repair requestsTracking incomplete tasks and deadlinesHandover communication between shiftsLesson 2Standard closing checklist structure: zone breakdown, task frequency, time estimates, and completion sign-offThis section explains how to design a standard closing checklist, breaking the venue into zones, defining task frequency, estimating time, and setting clear completion and sign-off rules that support consistency and accountability every night.
Defining zones and responsibility areasListing tasks by daily and weekly frequencyEstimating realistic task durationsOrdering tasks for efficient workflowSign-off fields and escalation notesLesson 3Private room closing tasks: resetting for next booking, furniture configuration, linen handling, and AV/equipment checksThis section covers private room closing routines, including resetting layouts, adjusting furniture, handling linens, checking AV and equipment, and preparing the room for the next booking according to event specifications.
Reviewing next event setup requirementsFurniture layout and chair alignmentCollecting and bagging used linensTesting AV, screens, and microphonesSecuring decor, signage, and amenitiesLesson 4Verification and recording of checklist completion: physical sign-off sheets, digital logs, photos as proof, and timestamped recordsThis section covers how to verify that closing checklists are completed, using physical sign-off sheets, digital logs, photos, and timestamps, and how to store records for audits, incident reviews, and performance monitoring.
Designing clear paper sign-off sheetsUsing digital checklist and log appsPhoto evidence standards and anglesTimestamp rules and user identificationArchiving records for audits and reviewsLesson 5Cleaning materials, tools, and safe chemical use: inventory, labelling, MSDS basics, and PPEThis section explains how to manage cleaning materials and tools, label and store chemicals, understand basic MSDS information, and use appropriate PPE to keep staff safe while maintaining hygiene standards.
Inventory and par levels for suppliesLabeling and safe chemical storageReading and applying MSDS basicsSelecting and using correct PPECleaning tool care and replacementLesson 6Bar closing tasks: bar top sanitation, glass/run-back procedure, stock rotation, refrigeration checks, and POS till cleanupThis section details bar closing routines, including sanitising bar tops, managing glassware and run-back, rotating stock, checking refrigeration, and closing the POS till to ensure hygiene, control, and readiness.
Bar top and garnish station sanitationGlassware run-back and polishing flowStock rotation and date labelingRefrigeration temperature and seals checkPOS till counting and discrepancy logsLesson 7Quality control sampling and spot checks: randomised verification, corrective action logs, and supervisor sign-offThis section details how to perform quality control on closing tasks using sampling, randomised spot checks, corrective action logs, and supervisor sign-off to maintain standards and coach staff on recurring issues.
Planning random spot check schedulesSampling methods for different zonesRecording defects and corrective actionsSupervisor sign-off and commentsUsing findings for staff coachingLesson 8Terrace closing tasks: furniture securing, outdoor cleaning, waste removal, and weatherproofing proceduresThis section outlines terrace closing routines, including securing furniture, cleaning outdoor surfaces, managing waste, and applying weatherproofing steps that protect equipment and maintain guest-ready conditions for the next service.
Stacking and locking outdoor furnitureCleaning tabletops, railings, and floorsOutdoor ashtray and waste removalProtecting cushions, umbrellas, and heatersWeather checks and storm precautionsLesson 9Role assignment for cleaning tasks: waiter, bartender, busser, and Jefe de Sala responsibilities and handoffsThis section clarifies who does which cleaning tasks at close, defining responsibilities for waiters, bartenders, bussers, and the Jefe de Sala, and explaining how to manage handoffs and cross-checks between roles.
Mapping tasks to each front-of-house roleWaiter duties for tables and stationsBartender duties for bar and backbarBusser duties for floors and wasteJefe de Sala oversight and sign-offLesson 10Dining room closing tasks: table clearing, glassware polishing, chair stacking/placement, floor cleaning, and ambient checksThis section details end-of-service dining room routines, including efficient table clearing, safe glassware handling, correct chair placement, floor care, and final ambient checks that prepare the room for the next service period.
Sequence for clearing tables and side stationsStandards for cutlery and glassware polishingCorrect chair stacking and spacing rulesEnd-of-night floor sweeping and moppingLighting, music, and scent final checks
