Security & Opening / Closing: the full procedure

Secures cash, stock, and the premises through controlled opening and closing routines.

• Applies to: Opening and closing staff, manager on duty
• Frequency: Daily, at open and close
• Scope: Covers keys, alarm, cash security, surveillance, and premises lockup. Crowd-safety, occupancy, and any security-staff licensing defer to your local authorities and safety plan.

What you need

• Keys and alarm codes
• Drop safe
• Surveillance / camera system
• Opening and closing security checklists
• Emergency contact list
• Lighting and door/lock check

The procedure, step by step

1. Open as a controlled entry — The opener disarms the alarm, checks for signs of forced entry or tampering, and confirms the premises is clear before others enter.
2. Verify cash and stock security — Confirm the safe is intact, the float is present, and high-value liquor is accounted for from the prior close.
3. Check systems and exits — Confirm cameras are recording, emergency exits are clear and functional, and lighting works.
4. Control access during service — Keep back doors and storage locked, restrict register and office access to authorized staff, and watch for tab/cash risk per the cash SOP.
5. Secure cash through the shift — Make timed drops to the safe and limit drawer exposure per the cash and reconciliation SOP.
6. Clear the premises at close — Confirm all guests and non-closing staff have left and check restrooms, storage, and back rooms before locking down.
7. Lock down and arm — Secure cash in the safe, lock all doors and windows, turn off non-essential power, and set the alarm.
8. Sign and report — Complete the security checklist and report any incident, tampering, or anomaly to the owner immediately.

Quality check before you finish

• Opener checks for forced entry/tampering before entry
• Safe, float, and high-value stock verified each open
• Cameras recording and emergency exits clear
• Back doors, storage, and office access controlled during service
• Timed cash drops limit drawer exposure
• Premises confirmed empty before lockdown
• Security checklist signed; anomalies reported to owner

This is a free, source-anchored standard operating procedure (SOP) you can print and hand to staff. It documents the work sequence for a Bar & Pub business — not safety or regulatory rulings, which defer to the cited authorities, the applicable code, and your own health-and-safety plan. Open the tool above to print it, toggle ink-saver, or (with a free ToolFluency Business account) edit it to match your own workflow.

Sources

• Small Business Administration (https://sba.gov)
• National Restaurant Association (https://restaurant.org)
• ServSafe Alcohol (https://servsafe.com)