Grocery Liquor Department Inventory Shrink Audit

Periodic inspection template for liquor departments to compare physical on-hand counts against system inventory, identify shrink, and verify receiving, storage, and recordkeeping controls.

Audit Scope and Inventory Snapshot

• Audit date and time recorded
• Inventory snapshot timestamp matches the count period
  Verify the system inventory report was pulled at the same time or immediately before the physical count.
• Department scope matches audit plan
  Select all inventory areas included in the audit.
• Count method documented
  Confirm how the physical count was performed.

Physical Count Verification

• High-shrink SKUs physically counted
  Enter the number of high-risk or high-value SKUs counted during the audit.
• Bottle counts match system inventory within tolerance
  Enter the largest absolute variance observed for any counted SKU.
• Case counts match system inventory within tolerance
  Enter the largest absolute variance observed for any case-counted SKU.
• Mixed units converted correctly
  Verify split cases, partial bottles, and pack conversions were calculated consistently.
• Damaged, opened, or sample product excluded from sellable count
  Confirm non-sellable product was removed from the on-hand count and documented separately.

Variance Review and Root Cause

• All variances above threshold documented
  Confirm every SKU variance above the store threshold was listed with item, system quantity, physical quantity, and variance.
• Variance threshold used for review
  Enter the variance threshold used to flag exceptions.
• Likely shrink drivers identified
  Select all likely causes identified during the review.
• Corrective action assigned for each material variance
  Verify each material variance has an owner, due date, and documented corrective action.

Receiving, Transfers, and Adjustments

• Receiving documents match product received
  Verify invoices, packing slips, and received quantities agree for sampled liquor deliveries.
• Transfers and adjustments approved and traceable
  Confirm inventory transfers, write-offs, and manual adjustments are authorized and supported by documentation.
• Breakage and spoilage logged promptly
  Verify damaged or unsellable liquor is recorded in the system on the same day or per SOP.

Storage Security and Department Controls

• High-value liquor secured in locked storage or controlled access area
  Confirm premium spirits and other high-risk items are stored in a secured area when not on display.
• Backstock organized and countable
  Verify backstock is labeled, accessible, and arranged so counts can be performed without ambiguity.
• Access to liquor inventory is restricted to authorized staff
  Confirm access controls are in place for stockrooms, cages, and locked displays.

Closeout, Sign-Off, and Follow-Up

• Audit findings reviewed with department manager
  Confirm the results were communicated to the responsible manager or supervisor.
• Corrective action plan created for open issues
  Verify open variances and control gaps have an assigned action plan with due dates.
• Inspector signature