What Barback duties happen during active service?

Date modified: 22nd September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email. Or book a demo to see how hospitality businesses use Pilla to create and record job descriptions.

Barback Job Description Template

This job description template provides a full working exmaple using our six step approach. Open the template in the Pilla app and customise each section to make it specific to your role and business.

We operate a busy cocktail bar and restaurant serving 250+ covers nightly with emphasis on craft cocktails, premium spirits, and high-volume service requiring seamless bar support operations. Our Barback role is essential to smooth bar operations, providing crucial support to bartenders through stock management, preparation tasks, and cleaning duties that enable efficient service delivery during peak periods. The position offers excellent entry point into the bar industry with opportunities to learn cocktail techniques, product knowledge, and service skills while supporting experienced bartenders in a fast-paced, professional hospitality environment.
• Maintain adequate stock levels for all bar stations including spirits, wine, beer, mixers, and garnish supplies throughout service periods • Prepare fresh ingredients daily including cutting garnishes, juicing citrus, and preparing syrups and bar mise en place • Keep bar areas clean and organized including glassware washing, surface sanitizing, and equipment maintenance • Support bartenders during busy periods by restocking supplies, clearing used glassware, and maintaining station organization • Handle bottle changes for spirits and wine, ensuring proper rotation and inventory accuracy • Coordinate with kitchen and storage areas for ingredient delivery and inventory management • Maintain ice machines and ensure adequate ice supply for all bar stations throughout service • Empty trash bins, replace liners, and maintain general bar cleanliness and hygiene standards • Assist with opening duties including equipment setup, stock checks, and preparation area organization • Complete closing responsibilities including deep cleaning, inventory counting, and preparation for following service • Transport supplies between storage areas and bar stations efficiently and safely • Support special events and busy periods with additional preparation and service assistance
Essential Skills: Strong work ethic with ability to maintain pace during busy service periods; excellent attention to detail for stock management and cleanliness standards; physical stamina for lifting, carrying, and standing for extended periods; team collaboration skills for supporting bartenders and coordinating with other staff; basic organizational abilities for managing multiple tasks and priorities; willingness to learn and follow instructions precisely. Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience in restaurants, bars, or hospitality environments demonstrating reliability and work ethic; basic knowledge of alcoholic beverages and bar equipment; food safety and hygiene awareness; ability to work efficiently under pressure; positive attitude toward learning cocktail preparation and bar operations; flexibility for various shift patterns including evenings and weekends.
This is an excellent entry-level position for those interested in bar and hospitality careers, requiring no previous bar experience but strong work ethic and willingness to learn. We value enthusiasm, reliability, and positive attitude over extensive background, making this ideal for career starters or career changers interested in the industry. Comprehensive training covers bar operations, product knowledge, and service standards, with opportunities to shadow experienced bartenders and learn cocktail preparation techniques. Clear advancement pathway to bartender roles typically within 6-12 months for dedicated team members who demonstrate skill development and reliability.
We're looking for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, takes pride in supporting team success, and maintains positive energy even during busy periods. The ideal candidate demonstrates reliability and punctuality, shows initiative in anticipating needs, and approaches challenges with solution-focused thinking. You should be physically capable of demanding work, comfortable with repetitive tasks, and genuinely interested in learning about bar operations and cocktail craft. Strong communication skills, ability to follow directions precisely, and enthusiasm for contributing to exceptional guest experiences are essential for success in this supporting role.
Competitive hourly rate of £10.50-£12.00 based on experience, plus share of tips and service charge distribution (typically £20-40 per shift depending on service volume). Comprehensive benefits package includes: staff meals during all shifts; 24 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays; flexible scheduling accommodating work-life balance where operationally feasible; staff discounts on food and beverage purchases. Career development opportunities include comprehensive bartending training with progression to bartender roles within 6-12 months; ongoing education in cocktail techniques, product knowledge, and service skills; mentorship from experienced bartenders and bar management team. Additional benefits include access to industry events and networking opportunities; recognition programs for outstanding performance and reliability; supportive team environment with regular training sessions and skills development workshops; clear advancement pathways within our growing hospitality group.

During a busy service, barbacks play a crucial role in maintaining the flow and efficiency of the bar. Their responsibilities include fetching spirits and mixers for bartenders, changing kegs, restocking refrigerators, maintaining the cleanliness of the bar counter, and washing glassware. This ensures that bartenders can focus on serving customers without interruption.

Common misunderstanding: Barbacks only clean and don't interact with the service process.

While cleaning is a part of their duties, barbacks are integral to the service process. They handle many behind-the-scenes tasks that directly impact service speed and quality, such as restocking and assisting bartenders during peak times.

Common misunderstanding: Barbacks work independently of bartenders.

Barbacks and bartenders work closely together. Barbacks must anticipate the needs of the bartenders and provide proactive support to keep everything running smoothly.

How can I explain their support role to bartenders?

Explaining the support role of barbacks to bartenders involves highlighting how barbacks help maintain operational efficiency. Emphasize that barbacks are there to assist with stocking, cleaning, and other tasks, allowing bartenders to focus more on customer interaction and drink preparation.

Common misunderstanding: Barbacks are just additional help that isn't necessary.

Barbacks are essential, especially during busy times. They perform tasks that are critical to keeping the bar area clean and well-stocked, which directly affects the quality of service.

Common misunderstanding: Bartenders should manage their own stock and cleaning.

While bartenders can handle these tasks, having barbacks allows bartenders to dedicate more time to serving customers and crafting drinks, which enhances the overall customer experience.

What examples show how barbacks keep service flowing?

Effective barbacks ensure that all supplies are replenished, from ice to garnishes, so bartenders aren't left waiting or having to fetch items themselves. They also manage the cleanliness of the bar area, swiftly washing and returning glassware, which prevents any slowdown in drink service. During peak hours, their ability to quickly change kegs and restock fridges keeps the service seamless.

Common misunderstanding: Barbacks' work doesn't impact service speed.

The quick and efficient work of barbacks greatly impacts service speed. By keeping everything stocked and clean, they enable bartenders to serve drinks faster and interact more with customers.

Common misunderstanding: Barbacks are only busy at the start and end of shifts.

Barbacks are continuously active throughout their shift, especially during peak service times when their role is critical to maintaining the flow of service and ensuring that all customer needs are met promptly.