I believe the assumption is that those of us who have reached status with Marriott are given the convenience of serving ourselves without having to wait for a barkeep or attendant because Marriott trusts us that we will not steal. (Honor bar.) To allow for this convenience, Marriott is willing to pocket the hopefully rare instance when someone is cheap, rude or selfish enough to steal an inexpensive drink. Despite Marriott being a large company, this is an old fashion practice left over from the days when people did business as ladies and gentlemen.

Everyone knows this. Anyone who even entertains the thought that he/she does not need to pay is a snake.

What the OP's coworker was telling him is that the coworker should not be trusted. The coworker clearly was saying that if he thinks he can steal without getting caught, he will steal. If the coworker really thought the booze was free, why not ask the CL attendant? Why not ask the hotel manager?

Obviously the vast majority of people who use the CL do so honorably, or Marriott would get rid of the honor bars. Anyone who doesn't pay should be given a one time warning, perhaps with a few week ban from CLs. A repeat offense should strip someone of his/her status and access to the CL for good.

At least I'm not advocating cutting off a thief's hand.