In most places, yes. If your bartenders handle ice, garnishes, glassware or any open food or drink, health departments typically require a dedicated hand sink within easy reach of the bar station. A bar sink used for dumping drinks or rinsing glasses usually does not count. Rules vary, so confirm the exact requirement with your local health department before you build or remodel.
One model to look at: our hands-free pedestal hand sink.
See also the wall mount hand sink.
Why Bars Are Treated Like Kitchens
Health codes look at what staff touch, not what the room is called. Bartenders cut limes, scoop ice, pour juices and handle glasses that go to a guest’s mouth. That is food handling. The FDA Food Code, which most states base their rules on, expects handwashing sinks to be conveniently located wherever food employees prepare or serve food, and to be used only for handwashing. A behind-the-bar hand sink is the usual way to meet that.
What Counts As a Hand Sink
A hand sink is a separate sink used only for washing hands. Typical requirements include hot and cold running water through a mixing faucet, soap, disposable towels or an approved dryer, a waste bin and a sign reminding staff to wash hands. Many areas also expect a splash guard if the sink is close to ice bins or drainboards. A compartment sink for washing glasses or a dump sink is a different fixture and normally cannot double as a hand sink.
How Close Does It Need to Be
Inspectors generally want the hand sink close enough that a bartender can wash without leaving the station or walking around obstacles. Long bars may need more than one. If a bartender would have to walk past guests or through a doorway to reach a sink, expect to be told to add one. Your local health department sets the practical distance.
Underbar Hand Sink Options
Underbar hand sinks are built to fit under a standard bar top alongside ice bins, drainboards and glass washers. Some include a cabinet base, soap and towel dispensers or a backsplash faucet, which helps you meet the soap and towel requirement in one unit.
Underbar hand sink with soap and towel dispenser, NSF
Underbar hand sink with cabinet base
Underbar hand sink with backsplash faucet included
Small Bars and Tight Spaces
If you do not have room for a full underbar unit, a compact wall mount or corner hand sink may fit at the end of the bar or on a back wall. Add a wall mount soap and towel dispenser if the sink does not include one.
CHS-12 12 inch corner hand sink with faucet
UHS-16-STD 16 inch wall mount soap and paper towel dispenser
Plumbing Notes
A hand sink needs hot and cold water supply and a drain. Where the drain goes, and whether it needs an indirect connection, depends on your local plumbing code. Hot water temperature at hand sinks is also regulated in many areas. Have a licensed plumber confirm before install.
How the Hand Sink Fits the Bar Layout
A typical underbar run has an ice bin in the center, drainboards and a blender station nearby, a compartment sink for glassware, and the hand sink at one end or beside the ice well with a splash guard. Plan the hand sink at the same time as the rest of the run so it is not squeezed in later.
Under bar sink, 36 inch three compartment
Questions to Ask Your Health Department
- Does my bar need its own hand sink, or can it share one nearby?
- How far from the bartender station can it be?
- Do I need a splash guard next to the ice bin?
- Which soap, towel and signage requirements apply?
Next Steps
Compare hand sinks and bar sinks to plan your underbar run. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.