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What is a bar tab?
A bar tab is the running total of charges a guest accumulates during their time at the bar. Instead of paying per drink, the guest's card is pre-authorized for a penny to confirm funds are available, and the full amount is settled when they close out.
How to start an order at the bar
- Tap the Bar Tab service area from the home screen.
- Tap the + button to open a new tab.
- Choose Credit Card — swipe the card to pre-authorize. A penny is charged and adjusted at final payment.
- Or choose Manual Tab — enter a tab name and tap Done to open a tab without a card on file.
How to merge a bar tab with a table order
Sometimes a guest opens a bar tab and also has a table. Vivid POS makes it easy to combine them into one check.
- Open the Bar Tab service area and find the open tab.
- Press and hold the tab you want to merge.
- Tap Transfer in the popup.
- Select the table order number to merge into — all bar items combine into the table ticket.
How to open a tab on an existing table
- After guests are seated, long press on the table number.
- Tap Start Tab from the options that appear.
- Tap the credit card button and tap Done — the card is pre-authorized on the table.
How to enable tabs on tables
If the Start Tab option is not visible, you need to enable it in settings first.
- Open the left navigation and tap Settings.
- Select Core POS then Basic Configurations.
- Search for Enable Start Tab for Table and toggle it ON.
- Close and reopen the app to apply the change.