The coat check is a small claims case waiting to happen.

A strict policy will help you cover your assets.

Checking a coat is a luxury that is offered at an establishment's discretion. Some establishments make coat check mandatory, but others allow it to be optional. If your establishment makes a coat check mandatory, make sure that policy is relayed to the patrons before entering the establishment and paying a cover. This prevents patrons who do not wish to check their coats from walking back out to their cars to secure their jackets and then attempting to avoid a second time through the identification line.

If an establishment does perform a coat check, whether mandatory or not, they should be aware of their liabilities. The establishment is responsible for coats-and even items in the pockets of the coats-lost or stolen, no matter what your little posted signs might say. This is called the "Rule of Bailments" and, in most states, the establishment cannot disclaim this responsibility. Furthermore, the establishment must inform the patron that any valuable property that is checked must be spoken for by that patron personally to retrieve it. If something of value is left in the pocket or in the coat, write the owner's name and item on the back of the issuing ticket to verify ownership upon claiming the jacket.

THE COAT CHECK PROCESS
1. Hangers and ticket identification should be assembled in numerical order prior to the establishment opening.

2. Have the number facing away from the ticket window so that the customer who receives the ticket is the only person with knowledge of that number. This prevents visual verification theft from another patron.

3. Patrons should be advised to place the ticket in a pocket they do not use, or in a secure place, such as a wallet or purse. The money area of a wallet is a bad idea due to the fact that the patron will be constantly using this area while exchanging money for drinks. These ideas should be posted near the coat check.

4. Reinforce the policy that the ticket is mandatory for the return of their jacket.

5. The coat check person should always ask for a description of the garment prior to retrieving it, for further authentication of the claimant's ticket.

6. Always verify the coat/item being returned to an owner. Example: "Is this it (the person's item)?" When they reply "yes," then the establishment has been relieved of their legal duty.

Further Suggestions
. The money and tip jar should be kept out of reach of patrons. The coat person is constantly away from the window, and this could allow the tips to be taken by a patron who sees an easy getaway through the exit nearby.

. DO NOT double-hang jackets on one hanger and then issue a single claim ticket. The reason to avoid this is that the two people involved may leave at different times-maybe after an argument ensues between the two of them-and one party decides to leave, taking the single ticket and retrieving his jacket. The other party is left without a ticket and without proof that the establishment has his jacket. If a party wishes to double hang, make sure two tickets are issued.

. The establishment should require that oversized jackets be left at the coat check. This helps to prevent concealment of illicit items such as weapons or items that may have been stolen while inside the establishment.

Remember, the coat check is a customer service, not a profit-making activity. Security is not to be taken lightly. A dishonest or negligent coat check person can cost an establishment thousands of dollars.