During which step of the closing procedure should you lock the drive-through window?

Locking the drive-through window after the store closes is essential for ensuring security and preventing unauthorized access. This step is part of the closing procedure designed to protect the inventory and the premises after business hours. By securing the window at this time, you effectively signal that the store is no longer open for business and provide a physical barrier to deter any potential theft or vandalism.

Preclosing, which is a process that occurs before the store actually closes for the day, does not involve locking the drive-through window as customers may still be present and business operations may still be ongoing. Similarly, locking the window at the beginning of the shift or before opening the store would not be appropriate, as it would prevent customers from utilizing the drive-through service, which is a key component of the operation during open hours. Thus, the correct timing for this action is unequivocally after the store has officially closed.