Liability at the cloakroom — what do you need to arrange?

Liability is the subject no one talks about — until the moment an expensive coat disappears. Suddenly, everything seems unclear. In this guide, we outline how you as a cloakroom operator can limit your liability, what must be arranged at a minimum, and what you can and cannot put on the ticket. (This is practical explanation, not legal advice — always consult a lawyer in case of a specific dispute.)

The legal basis: bailment

As soon as a guest hands over their coat and you accept it, a bailment contract is formed (Civil Code, Book 7, Title 9). As a bailee, you must exercise "the care of a prudent bailee" and return the item in the same condition. If something is lost through negligence, you are generally liable.

Can you limit that liability?

Yes — within limits. You may limit your liability through general terms and conditions, cloakroom regulations or a visible disclaimer, provided these are communicated before the coat is handed over. A condition only shown afterwards, or one that is “unreasonably onerous,” will not hold up. Damage caused by intent or gross negligence of you or your staff can never be excluded.

The minimum level you need to arrange

• A visible cloakroom regulation at the counter, before the point where guests hand over their coats.
• A clear rule about valuables (“do not leave valuables or keys in coat pockets”).
• A fixed procedure for issuing and returning items to avoid mix-ups as much as possible.

What can you put on the ticket?

The pre-printed paper coat tickets are only numbered; no liability text is included. If you want to print a disclaimer or your own text directly on the ticket, you can do so with the Coatcheck+ ticketprinter: you decide exactly which text, numbering and disclaimer appear on each ticket. Note: text on the ticket alone is often insufficient — always combine with a visible regulation at the cloakroom.

Insurance: check your policy

Most business and liability insurance policies do not automatically cover cloakroom damage. Ask your insurer explicitly whether goods held in custody are covered under your policy or whether you need additional cover. For venues that regularly handle expensive clothing (theatre, gala, restaurant), this is well worth investigating.

Practical checklist

• Display your cloakroom regulation visibly at eye level, before the counter.
• Explicitly mention valuables in your regulation.
• Use numbered hooks so that ticket and coat match one-to-one.
• Document special cases (coat returned without ticket, claim from two guests).
• Consider a disclaimer on the ticket via the printer if you handle many expensive items.
• Check whether your insurance covers cloakroom damage.

Does this fit your situation? Also read how to act if a guest loses their number — the key situation where liability becomes concrete.