Introduction to Bar Captaining
The Definition of a Bar Captain
A bar captain is a captain who is responsible for managing service behind the bar. This includes managing bar service (including building and serving beverages), bar staff, setup and breakdown, beverage inventory, consumption, and guest wellbeing. Bar staff includes bartenders and bar backs.
The Key Responsibilities of a Bar Captain
Pre-Event Preparation and Setup
a. Review safety protocols, focusing on protocols for managing visibly intoxicated persons
b. Review relevant documentation in conjunction with other captains (if necessary)
i. BEO
ii. ROS
iii. Beverage Inventory List
iv .Rental List
v. Staff List
vi. Floor Plan
c. Review, organize, and verify beverage inventory, equipment, and communicate with stakeholders
d. Conduct a pre-event bar walkthrough
e. Conduct a bar staff meeting
f. Administer setup
Event Execution
a. Managing Primary Event Components: Prepare for guests, offer beverage services to guests, monitor beverage consumption, monitor beverage service pacing, and monitor staff performance
Post-Event Breakdown
a. Transition Guests
b. Administer a Soft Breakdown
c. Administer a Hard Breakdown
d. Debrief with the Bar Staff
Post-Event Review