Handle a table tab that's been left open

It happens in every restaurant: a tab gets left open. The guest got up without paying, or a tab was forgotten from an earlier shift. Here's how to sort it out.

1. Find the tab

An open tab stays until it's closed. You'll find it in two places:

• The floor map – the table shows as occupied. Tap the table to open the tab.
• Parked tabs – if the tab was parked (set aside without a table) you'll find it in the parked tabs list and tap Resume.

2. Decide what should happen

Take payment: Open the tab from the table or via Resume and run the payment exactly as usual.

Move: Use Move tab to move the whole tab to another table – handy if the guest changed seats or the tab ended up on the wrong table.

Void an incorrect tab: Confirm that the tab is wrong or duplicated. Select void, enter the correct reason and check whether the kitchen needs a return ticket. Manager approval is required if your permissions are insufficient. Do not automatically void a tab because the guest has left; the responsible manager must first assess the unpaid sale.

Good to know:

• An open tab doesn't disappear by itself – it needs follow-up and the appropriate completion. Moving it changes the table but does not close the tab.
• Open tabs left at the end of the day are not counted as completed paid sales in the Z-report – see the article on closing the day with open tabs.

Tip: Make it a routine to review all open tables and leave clear information for the next shift before the shift ends. Then the next shift doesn't start with old, unexplained tabs.