SITHFAB003
Operate a bar


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare a bar for service, take drink orders, prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and close the bar down. Customer service and selling skills are found in other units.

The unit applies to any hospitality organisation that operates a bar, including hotels, restaurants, clubs, cafes, and wineries.

The unit applies to bar attendants who operate with some level of independence and under limited supervision.

The sale and service of alcohol is subject to the provisions of liquor legislation law in each state and territory of Australia. Skills and knowledge for compliance with this law are covered by the prerequisite unit SITHFAB002 Provide responsible service of alcohol.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare bar for service.

1.1.Set up bar display and work area according to regulatory standards, organisational procedures and style of bar service.

1.2.Check and restock bar products and materials and complete documentation.

1.3.Store all items in correct place and at correct temperature.

1.4.Complete mise en place requirements for decorations, coasters and edible and non-edible garnishes in line with organisational standards.

2. Take drink orders.

2.1.Take orders, note or memorise them correctly.

2.2.Check and identify specific customer preferences.

2.3.Make recommendations and suggestions to assist customers with drink selection and promote or upsell products.

2.4.Receive and process customer payments.

3. Prepare and serve drinks.

3.1.Prepare alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to standards, legal requirements and organisational procedures, using the correct equipment, ingredients and standard measures.

3.2.Serve drinks using appropriate glassware and garnishes.

3.3.Minimise wastage and spillage when preparing drinks.

3.4.Check beverage quality during service and take corrective action when required.

3.5.Where appropriate, report beverage quality issues promptly to the appropriate person.

3.6.Provide tray service where appropriate, according to organisational procedures.

3.7.Attend to spillages and breakages promptly and safely.

4. Close down bar operations.

4.1.Shut down equipment according to organisational safety procedures and manufacturer instructions.

4.2.Clear, clean or dismantle bar areas according to organisational procedures.

4.3.Store leftover garnishes at the correct temperature and according to food safety requirements.

4.4.Check and reorder stock according to organisational procedures.

4.5.Set up bar correctly for next service, ensuring equipment, stock and glasses are in the correct place.

4.6.Conduct a handover to incoming bar staff and share relevant information where appropriate.

5. Work safely and reduce negative environmental impacts.

5.1.Use safe work practices of specific relevance to bar operations.

5.2.Use energy, water and other resources efficiently when operating and cleaning the bar to reduce negative environmental impacts.

5.3.Recycle any glass and plastic bottles and containers.

5.4.Safely dispose of all waste and hazardous substances to minimise negative environmental impacts.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:

safely and efficiently set up, operate and close down a bar over at least three different service periods, including at least one peak service period

prepare alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that meet customer requests within required timeframe during the above service periods

use the correct equipment, ingredients and standard measures to prepare the above alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

interact with a diverse range of customers during the above service periods, determining their preferences and offering suitable products in a clear and professional manner.


Evidence of Knowledge

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

different types of bars and bar service for different industry sectors and those relevant to events and functions

meaning and role of mise en place for the service of alcoholic beverages

organisational procedures for operating the bar:

display stock and ancillary bar products

mise en place requirements for bar products

presentation of beverages

procedures for opening and closing the bar

procedures for reordering stock

items requirements for set-up of bar:

a variety of mixed drinks

beers

edible and non-edible garnishes and accompaniments

fortified drinks

manual and electronic cash registers

credit and electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) equipment

non-alcoholic beverages

spirits

wines

major types of beverages, their characteristics, preparation and service:

mixed drinks

basic and popular cocktails

beers

fortified drinks

non-alcoholic beverages

spirits

wines

requirements and procedures for different types of bar service:

cash drinks

dry till

inclusive packages

open bar

pre-set drinks

set limits

available options to meet specific customer preferences relating to:

brand

garnishes

glassware

ice

mixers

strength

temperature

operational features, safety and hygiene issues for the following bar equipment:

dispensing systems

glass-washers

ice machines

refrigeration

organisational procedures for noting relevant information during handover duties on completion of shift:

current customer information:

drink preferences

problems arising with customers during the shift

issues relating to beverage quality

stock requirements

safety issues and safe work practices of specific relevance to bar operations:

overview knowledge of AS5034 Installation and use of inert gases for beverage dispensing

access to restricted areas containing inert gas equipment

specific dangers of inert gases used in beer and post-mix systems, how they apply in different hospitality environments and the measures required to ensure worker and customer safety

issues and requirements around the types of chemicals used in bar operations

requirements for appropriate signage of areas where gases and chemicals are used

scope of responsibilities of different workers and contractors for bar equipment

safe manual handling techniques

environmentally sound methods to use cleaning agents and equipment, water and energy when operating a bar, the impact of these on the environment, and minimal impact practices to reduce their use

correct and environmentally sound disposal methods for bar waste:

hazardous substances

recyclable glass

plastic bottles and containers.


Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in an operational commercial bar. This can be:

an industry workplace

a simulated industry environment.

Assessment must ensure access to:

fixtures and large equipment:

bar service area

cashiering facilities:

electric cash register

credit card

EFTPOS facilities

coffee and tea making equipment

glass washer

ice:

crusher

maker

shaver

grinder

post-mix dispensing system

refrigerator

reticulated beer dispensing system

storage area for glassware and drinks

water supply

small equipment:

bar towels

blenders

coasters

coffee and tea service-ware

cutting boards

garnish containers

ice buckets

jugs

juicers

napkins

powder shakers

pourers:

speed

optic

inverted optic

nip measures

utensils:

small knives

tongs

spoons:

bar spoons

teaspoons

range of glassware:

highball glasses

liqueur and liqueur coffee glasses

old fashioned glasses

beer glasses

red wine, white wine, champagne flute, brandy, sherry and port glasses

water glasses

service trays and liners

straws, swizzle sticks and toothpicks

waiter’s friend

stock:

edible and non-edible garnishes and accompaniments

ice

wide commercial range of:

bottled mixers

bottled and canned beers

liqueurs

wines

basic spirits

wide commercial range of non-alcoholic beverages:

tea

coffee

carbonated drinks

juices

cleaning materials and equipment:

cleaning cloths

commercial cleaning and sanitising agents and chemicals for cleaning bar areas and equipment

dishwashers

dustpans and brooms

garbage bins and bags

hand towel dispenser and hand towels

mops and buckets

separate hand basin and antiseptic liquid soap dispenser for hand washing

sponges, brushes and scourers

tea towels

organisational specifications:

equipment manufacturer instructions

cleaning schedules

bar menus

cocktail menus

standard recipes, preparation methods and presentation standards for cocktails

wine lists

price lists

retail promotional materials

safety data sheets (SDS) for cleaning agents and chemicals or plain English workplace documents or diagrams that interpret the content of SDS

industry-realistic ratio of bar staff to customers; these can be:

customers in an industry workplace during the assessment process; or

individuals who participate in role plays or simulated activities, set up for the purpose of assessment, in a simulated industry environment operated within a training organisation.

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors; and:

have worked in industry for at least three years where they have applied the skills and knowledge of this unit of competency.


Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement.

SKILLS

DESCRIPTION

Reading skills to:

read product information in bar menus, brochures, price lists and promotional materials

interpret at times complex information in Australian standards and organisational procedures

follow recipe cards to create unfamiliar beverage orders.

Writing skills to:

record basic records of bar restocks and stock orders.

Oral communication skills to:

use active listening and open and closed probe questioning to determine customer preferences

provide clear and accurate information on products tailored to the customer.

Numeracy skills to:

calculate ingredient quantities when preparing beverages

calculate the cost of transactions and provide correct change.

Teamwork skills to:

provide operational and customer information to other bar staff during the service period and at handover.

Planning and organising skills to:

sequence the preparation of beverage items to efficiently serve customers.

Self-management skills to:

manage own speed, timing and productivity.

Technology skills to:

use electronic ordering and payment system.


Sectors

Hospitality


Competency Field

Food and Beverage