> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.eat-now.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Table Blocking

> Learn how to control which tables are available for online reservations. Block tables temporarily for daily operations or permanently for staff-only use.

EatNow offers two ways to block tables from online reservations:

| Method                 | Duration              | Use Case                     |
| ---------------------- | --------------------- | ---------------------------- |
| **Temporary blocking** | Single day, per shift | Daily operations, events     |
| **Permanent blocking** | Until reactivated     | Staff-only tables, VIP areas |

<Note>
  **Staff can always seat guests** at blocked tables. Blocking only affects what customers see when booking online.
</Note>

***

## Temporary Table Blocking

Temporary blocking lets you remove a table from online availability **for a single day**. Perfect for daily operational flexibility.

### When to Use

* 🎉 **Private events** — A VIP guest requested a specific table
* 🔧 **Quick maintenance** — A chair needs repair but the table can still be used if needed
* 📋 **Operational control** — Reserve tables for walk-ins during busy periods

### How to Block

1. **Go to Reservations**
   * Open the Reservations page and make sure you're on the **floor plan view**
   * Select the date using the date picker

2. **Click on the Table**
   * Click any table to open its menu
   * Click **Block Table** (or the 🔒 icon if there's already a reservation)

3. **Choose the Shifts**
   * Select which shifts to block the table for
   * You can block for lunch only, dinner only, or all shifts

4. **Add a Reason** *(optional)*
   * Enter a note like "VIP reservation" or "Chair repair"
   * This helps your team understand why the table is blocked

5. **Save**
   * The table now shows a red striped pattern on the floor plan

### How to Unblock

1. Click on the blocked table
2. Click **Unblock Table**
3. The table is immediately available for online booking again

### Visual Indicators

Blocked tables are easy to spot:

* 🔴 **Red & white stripes** — Diagonal stripe pattern on the table
* 🔒 **Lock icon** — A small lock appears on the table

***

## Permanent Table Blocking

Permanent blocking completely removes a table from online availability until you re-enable it. Use this for tables you want to reserve exclusively for walk-ins or staff seating.

### When to Use

* 🪑 **Staff-only tables** — Tables reserved for walk-ins or VIP seating
* 🛋️ **Special areas** — A lounge area you prefer to manage manually
* 🔒 **Long-term exclusion** — Tables you don't want available online for weeks or months

### How to Disable Online Booking

1. **Go to Settings**
   * Click on the **Settings** icon in the navigation bar

2. **Open Floor Plan Editor**
   * Navigate to **Floor Plan**
   * Select the room containing the table you want to modify

3. **Click on the Table**
   * In the floor plan editor, click on the table to open its settings panel

4. **Disable Online Availability**
   * Find the toggle **"Available for online booking"**
   * Turn it **OFF**

5. **Save**
   * Click **Save** to apply your changes
   * The table is now permanently hidden from online availability

### How to Re-enable

Follow the same steps and turn the **"Available for online booking"** toggle back **ON**.

<Warning>
  **No visual indicator** — Unlike temporary blocking, permanently blocked tables look normal on the floor plan. Check the floor plan editor to see which tables are disabled.
</Warning>

***

## Good to Know

### Table Combinations

If you block a table that's part of a combination (e.g., tables 5+6 for groups of 8), the **entire combination becomes unavailable** for online booking.

### Existing Reservations

Blocking a table **does not affect** reservations already made. Customers keep their bookings.

### Late-Night Shifts

Both blocking methods work for shifts that extend past midnight (e.g., 10 PM - 3 AM).

***

## FAQ

**Which method should I use?**

* Use **temporary blocking** for day-to-day operations (events, maintenance, walk-in reserves)
* Use **permanent blocking** for tables you never want available online

**Can customers see why a table is blocked?**

No. The reason is for your team only. Customers simply see reduced availability.

**Can I block for next week?**

For temporary blocking, navigate to that date on the floor plan first. For permanent blocking, it applies immediately to all future dates.