The book informs operating management of the legal responsibilities of innkeepers toward their guests. The initial overview of the history of the lodging industry shows that modern hotels or motels, as descendants of the inn, may not refuse to accommodate a potential lodger because of race, color, religion, or national origin, but may turn away individuals on grounds of intoxication or undesirable conduct. An outline of the legal system then provides insight into the procedures generally followed in legal suits. The remainder of the book is devoted to the discussion of legal issues surrounding the risk of loss and legal liability, loss of guests' property, liability for food service operations, vicarious liability for acts of employees that cause injury to third parties, and liability for loss or injury caused to guests by third parties. Areas also covered are liability for injury to guests caused by security guards; liability for injuries resulting from defective physical facilities or equipment; and responsibilities of hotels and motels in such areas as rates and reservations, found property, and loss of former guests' property. Numerous test cases illustrate legal points in each area. Appendixes contain applicable statutes. Case and subject indexes are supplied.