How to Prepare a Main Store Checklist or Audit Format for Hotels & Restaurants

An effective Main Store Checklist or Audit Format is essential for maintaining inventory accuracy, cost control, hygiene standards, and operational efficiency in hotels and restaurants. Regular store audits help identify gaps, prevent losses, and ensure smooth departmental operations.

how to prepare a structured main store checklist or audit format and what key areas must be covered.

What Is a Main Store Audit?

A Main Store Audit is a systematic review of store operations, stock levels, documentation, hygiene, and compliance to ensure materials are properly received, stored, issued, and recorded.

Importance of Main Store Checklist & Audit

• Prevents pilferage and stock manipulation

• Ensures accurate inventory and cost control

• Maintains food safety and hygiene standards

• Improves accountability and transparency

• Supports management decision-making

Frequency of Main Store Audit

• Daily: Stock issue verification, high-value items

• Weekly: Physical stock check (selected items)

• Monthly: Full inventory audit

• Quarterly: Management and compliance audit

Key Sections of a Main Store Checklist / Audit Format

1. Store Layout & Infrastructure Checklist

Check Point	Yes / No	Remarks
Store area clean and organized
Separate storage for food & non-food items
Dry store racks raised from floor
Adequate lighting and ventilation
Pest control measures in place
Fire extinguisher available & valid

2. Receiving & Inspection Checklist

Check Point	Yes / No	Remarks
Goods received only against approved PO
Quality and quantity checked at receiving
Expiry dates verified
GRN prepared and authorized
Rejected items returned immediately
Vendor delivery time adhered

3. Storage & Stock Rotation Checklist

Check Point	Yes / No	Remarks
FIFO followed for all items
Proper labeling with receipt dates
Temperature maintained for perishables
Chemicals stored separately
Open items sealed properly
No expired or damaged stock found

4. Stock Issue & Control Checklist

Check Point	Yes / No	Remarks
Material issued only against approved indent
Department head authorization verified
Daily issue register updated
No excess or unauthorized issuing
High-value items controlled separately

5. Inventory & Documentation Checklist

Check Point	Yes / No	Remarks
Bin cards maintained and updated
Physical stock matches system records
Minimum and maximum levels defined
Slow-moving items identified
Monthly stock reports prepared

6. Hygiene & Safety Checklist

Check Point	Yes / No	Remarks
Store staff in proper uniform & PPE
MSDS available for chemicals
No spillage or contamination
Waste disposal process followed
FSSAI guidelines complied

7. Vendor & Purchase Control Checklist

Check Point	Yes / No	Remarks
Approved vendor list available
Purchase rates as per contract
Invoices matched with PO & GRN
Credit terms followed

8. Security & Loss Prevention Checklist

Check Point	Yes / No	Remarks
Store access restricted
CCTV working properly
Surprise stock checks conducted
Pilferage incidents recorded

9. Compliance & Reporting Checklist

Check Point	Yes / No	Remarks
Licenses and permits valid
Audit observations documented
Corrective actions tracked
Management review conducted

Sample Audit Scoring Method (Optional)

• Excellent: 90–100%

• Good: 75–89%

• Needs Improvement: Below 75%

Best Practices for Effective Store Audits

• Use standardized audit formats

• Conduct surprise audits periodically

• Involve finance and operations team

• Maintain an action closure tracker

• Train store staff on audit requirements

Benefits of a Structured Main Store Checklist

• Improved inventory accuracy

• Stronger cost control

• Better hygiene compliance

• Reduced wastage and pilferage

• Improved operational efficiency

A well-prepared Main Store Checklist or Audit Format is a powerful tool to ensure discipline, transparency, and efficiency in hotel and restaurant operations. Regular audits using a standardized format help management identify risks early and maintain high operational standards.

At County Park & Suites, we design customized main store audit formats, SOPs, and inventory control systems to support hotels and restaurants in achieving operational excellence.