---
title: "Restaurant Tables: Halls, Occupancy, Shift and Merge"
description: See which restaurant tables are free or occupied in each hall, shift an order to another table, and merge tables, with a worked example.
url: "https://tecniforge.com/docs/rms/rms-operations/tables-halls-and-occupancy/"
updated: "2026-10-13"
category: "TecniForge Restaurant Management System / Tables, Register & Kitchen"
---

# Restaurant Tables: Halls, Occupancy, Shift and Merge

**Quick answer:** Restaurant tables are grouped into halls and shown as green (free) or red (occupied). A table is occupied only while it has an unpaid order and frees automatically when that order is paid or cancelled. You can shift an order to another table or merge tables into one bill.

## Halls and tables

Tables are grouped into halls (for example F Hall, G Hall, C Hall). The **Tables** page and the POS table picker show each table as a card: **green = free**, **red = occupied**. An occupied card also shows its running order number.

## How occupancy works

A table is marked occupied only while it has an active (unpaid) order. The moment that order is **paid** or **cancelled**, the table turns free automatically. You never free a table by hand, and a stale "occupied" cannot get stuck.

## Shifting a table

To move a running order to a different table, open the order, open the table picker, and choose the new table. The old table frees and the new one becomes occupied.

## Merging tables

When guests join together, merge their orders so they are billed as one. Use the merge option on the running order to combine onto a single table.

## Example: a guest moves tables

A couple is seated at F2 and orders drinks. A larger table, F7, frees up and they move. You open the F2 order, open the table picker and select **F7**. F2 turns green, F7 turns red, and their drinks move with them. When they pay, F7 frees automatically.

## Frequently asked questions

### A table shows occupied but there is no order. How do I fix it?

Occupancy is read live from active orders, so paying or cancelling the order frees the table. If an old status is stuck, click Clear Cache or refresh the page.

### Can I combine two tables onto one bill?

Yes. Use the merge option so both tables are billed together.

## Related guides

- [Using the POS: How to Take an Order](https://tecniforge.com/docs/rms/rms-pos/using-the-pos-taking-an-order/)
- [Kitchen Display and KOT Printing](https://tecniforge.com/docs/rms/rms-operations/kitchen-screen-and-kot-printing/)
- [Cash Register: Open, Close and the Z-Report](https://tecniforge.com/docs/rms/rms-operations/opening-and-closing-the-register-z-report/)

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