What is a service period? The SIT, Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Training Package tells us that, for the purpose of assessment, service periods do not necessarily align with shift periods worked. For example, a service period in a hospitality environment such as a restaurant may be a breakfast service, lunch service or dinner service. A shift worked in a restaurant may incorporate one or more of these service periods. So, you may work a shift that incorporates a breakfast service and a lunch service and although this is one 'shift' worked, it may be used for two service periods. However, the two service periods must be clearly defined and the start/set-up and finish/close of each service period must be clearly identified