Bar and Cellar Close Down Advice for Licensees

Closure Guidelines

With the potential voluntary or forced closure of licensed premises as a result of the pandemic, BBG are suggesting the following procedures are followed to protect your beer dispense systems during closure.

Failure to close down your dispense systems correctly may irrevocably damage your system. This will lead to a delay in reopening your premises with draft dispense and/or negatively effect the quality, flavour and dispense of your drinks.

Premises Locked up for the Duration

• Clean all beer lines as per your normal procedure.
• Once flush is complete allow cleaning bottle to empty and flush through each line until they are purged of water and only gas comes through tap.
• Ensure remote cooler is switched off.
• Switch off all gas bottles and/or gas generation systems.
• If stock is left in the cellar leave cellar cooling switched on.
• NB - If site is closed for more than 7 days any part kegs will not be fit for dispense.
• Remove all nozzles in the bar, clean with warm water and leave to air dry. Do not leave nozzles to soak.
• Clean and drain down glass washers and leave door open to air dry.

Premises Manned or Visited Weekly

• Clean all beer lines as per your normal procedure.
• Once flush is complete leave fresh water in the lines.
• Ensure remote cooler is switched off.
• Switch off all gas bottles and/or gas generation systems.
• If stock is left in the cellar leave cellar cooling switched on.
• If site is closed for more than 7 days any part kegs will not be fit for dispense.
• Once a week, refresh water through the beer lines and switch on remote cooler for half an hour.
• Remove all nozzles in the bar, clean with warm water and leave to air dry. Do not leave nozzles to soak.
• Clean and drain down glass washers and leave door open to air dry.

Reopening Premises Following Prolonged Closure

• Cellar cooling should be switched on at least 24hrs prior to reopening.
• Switch on gas supply and/or gas generation systems.
• Clean all beer lines as per your normal procedure.
• Switch on remote cooler.
• Ensure keg connectors are scrubbed clean.
• Check that kegs are in date and connect to fresh kegs.
• Reattach nozzles and pull through beer to each tap.
• Beer will be ready for customer serve after 2hrs.
• Refill glasswasher and dependent on length of closure, consideration should be given to cleaning all glasses on site.

Help and Advice

Should you require support in either closing down your site or reopening, please call Budweiser Drinks Dispense on 08457 100600.