Outdoor Patio Checklist for Cafes
- Who checks
- Shift supervisor or lead barista
- When
- Daily before the patio opens and at closing; also after rain and strong wind
- Time
- ~20 min · 30 items
| Location | Date and time | Inspector | Signature |
In summer the patio brings in a noticeable share of revenue, but it carries more risk than the dining room: an umbrella caught by a gust, a wobbly chair on uneven decking, a gas heater under an awning, an extension cord in a puddle after rain. Conditions outside change every day, so the patio needs a daily check, not just one at the start of the season.
Walk the perimeter first, then along the rows of tables. Safety comes first — furniture, umbrellas, gas and electrics — then cleanliness and service readiness. Do the closing section at the end of the day. Take damaged furniture off the patio right away and record it with a photo; in strong wind, follow your venue's rule without waiting for instructions.
Furniture, decking and barriers
-
1
Tables stand level and don't wobble Press on the edge of each table: it doesn't rock, and there's no cardboard or napkins wedged under the legs.☐ Yes☐ No
-
2
Chairs have no cracks, broken legs or protruding fasteners Inspect and rock each chair; damaged ones are removed from the patio until repaired.☐ Yes☐ No
-
3
Patio decking has no sunken spots, raised boards or nails Walk the whole area: no level changes to trip on and no gaps that catch a chair leg or heel.☐ Yes☐ No
-
4
The patio barrier is stable and doesn't sway Push on the barrier sections by hand: they don't move and fixings are intact.☐ Yes☐ No
-
5
The patio entrance and steps are slip-resistant and level changes are marked Steps are dry or have anti-slip treads, step edges are visible, and there's no threshold people trip over.☐ Yes☐ No
Umbrellas, awnings and wind
-
6
Every umbrella is in a weighted base or anchored to the deck Rock the umbrella pole: the base doesn't shift or lift off the ground.☐ Yes☐ No
-
7
The team knows the rule for closing umbrellas in strong wind Ask at what wind level and on whose call umbrellas are closed; the rule is written in the patio standard.☐ Yes☐ No
-
8
Awnings and canopies have no sagging or pooled water Inspect from below after rain: the fabric is taut, water runs off, no tears.☐ Yes☐ No
-
9
Light items on tables don't blow away Napkin holders, menu holders and table signs are weighted or secured.☐ Yes☐ No
Heaters and electrics
-
10
Each heater's gas cylinder stands upright in its designated compartment Open the compartment: the cylinder stands straight, isn't wedged or lying down; no spare cylinder is kept next to the heater.☐ Yes☐ No
-
11
The heater hose and regulator have no cracks or kinks and there's no smell of gas Inspect the hose along its full length; leak-test connections per the manufacturer's instructions (usually with soapy water) — never use an open flame to look for a leak.☐ Yes☐ No
-
12
Heaters stand at a safe distance from umbrellas, awnings and plants Clearance is at least what the manufacturer's instructions specify; no fabric above the reflector.☐ Yes☐ No
-
13
Spare gas cylinders are stored off the patio in a designated area Spares aren't in walkways or by the entrance; the storage area meets the site's fire safety rules.☐ Yes☐ No
-
14
String lights, fixtures and extension cords on the patio are rated for outdoor use Housings and connectors carry a moisture protection rating (usually at least IP44 outdoors), and connections don't lie on a wet floor.☐ Yes☐ No
-
15
Cables don't cross guest or staff walkways Cords are raised, fixed along the barrier or covered with cable protectors.☐ Yes☐ No
Cleanliness
-
16
Tables and chair seats are washed and dry After rain or morning dew, furniture is wiped down; no water or bird droppings on seats.☐ Yes☐ No
-
17
No cigarette butts, leaves or litter on the decking Including under tables and along the barrier.☐ Yes☐ No
-
18
Smoking on the patio is managed per local rules If smoking is allowed, ashtrays are only in the designated area and emptied; if it's banned, there's a sign and no ashtrays.☐ Yes☐ No
-
19
Patio bins have lids and are emptied Lids close and there are no sticky spots around the bins that attract wasps.☐ Yes☐ No
Guest comfort
-
20
Glasses with sweet drinks and dessert plates are cleared as soon as guests leave Observe for 10–15 minutes: no glasses with leftover lemonade or syrup on empty tables to attract wasps.☐ Yes☐ No
-
21
Blankets and cushions are clean and don't smell damp Check 2–3 blankets: dry and stain-free; any left damp overnight are sent for washing.☐ Yes☐ No
-
22
All patio lights and string lights work Switch the lighting on during the check: all fixtures are lit, no dark tables or flickering bulbs.☐ Yes☐ No
Patio service
-
23
An employee is assigned to the patio for the shift The shift schedule shows who's responsible for the patio, and that employee confirms it.☐ Yes☐ No
-
24
Guests understand how to order on the patio There's an "order at the counter" or "table service" sign; guests don't wait for a server who isn't coming.☐ Yes☐ No
-
25
Seated guests are noticed and approached within the venue standard Time from seating to staff approach or menu delivery at 2–3 tables.☐ Yes☐ No
-
26
Patio menus are clean, with no stains or dog-ears Check 3–4 menus; damaged ones are replaced.☐ Yes☐ No
-
27
Hot drinks are carried out to the patio on a tray Staff don't carry several cups by hand through the gaps between tables.☐ Yes☐ No
Closing the patio
-
28
Umbrellas are closed and secured with a strap or cover No umbrella is left open overnight.☐ Yes☐ No
-
29
Cushions, blankets and menus are brought inside No textiles are left on the patio to get wet overnight.☐ Yes☐ No
-
30
Heaters are off and gas cylinder valves are closed Check the valve on each cylinder, not just the switch on the heater.☐ Yes☐ No
This template is a starting point. Check the limits and wording against your local regulations, your company standards and the equipment manufacturers' instructions.
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Common violations
- Umbrellas are left open as the wind picks up, "while guests are still seated". A gust can lift an umbrella together with a light base and injure people nearby.
- A gas heater is placed under an umbrella or awning to "keep the heat in". The fabric above the reflector heats up and can catch fire.
- A broken chair is set aside against the patio barrier. In the evening another shift puts it back at a table and a guest falls.
- An indoor extension cord is run out to the patio for string lights. After rain the connector ends up in water — an electric shock risk for guests and staff.
Frequently asked questions
The opening checklist covers the bar, kitchen, register and dining room. The patio is a separate area with outdoor risks: wind, gas, outdoor electrics, weather. It's easier to check with a separate short walkthrough, especially if the patio opens later than the main room.
Follow a rule written in advance: offer guests a table inside, close umbrellas, switch off heaters under awnings, bring in light items. The shift supervisor makes the call without waiting for the manager.
Yes, especially cylinder changes and any faults found. A check mark with a photo shows the equipment was checked daily and helps you call for service in time if a hose or valve is wearing out.
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