Contemporary Problems in Hotel and Restaurant Law: Innkeeper Bailments

Abstract

The following represents important legal facts designed to give innkeeper/ managers a better understanding of their rights, obligations, and liabilities that accrue when a bailment situation is set up with guests. Innkeepers must understand common law and statutory bailment law with respect to making restitution for a guest's personal property that is lost or damaged while a bailment is in effect. Innkeepers should develop specific written policies, maintain adequate training of employees and constantly audit strict employee adherence to those policies and to statutory requirements in the area of bailment law so as to lessen or eliminate their liability for the loss of or damage to a guest's property. Key Words: Bailment Situations, Conspicuous Posting, Statutory Law, Common Law, "Infra Hospitium," Limiting Recovery Statutes

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