Revenue is revenue...

Perhaps the "logic" is still escaping...

Why would Marriott need to CYA about liquor? And why would they put chits out just to put them out?

And how is "logic" found in a question?

Chris Rock has an interesting rant about people wanting credit for what they are supposed to do.

exactly - or another way to look at it is this...General Managers are constantly looking at their cost structure to make sure it's in line, afterall P&L statements are one of the balance scorecard items for all hotels regardless of brands....the concierge/club lounge while not a profit center certainly is reviewed to be sure it's cost isn't out of line...if it is adjustments are possible (ie if the hotel is currently exceeded brand standards they might drop back to them, this could result in being closed on weekends, less lavish desserts etc)

So then, what is the domestic JW brand standard in re comped beer/wine/alcohol? I stayed at a JW recently with a comp bar, and I say another post about a different JW that had a comp bar. Is this the standard?

Don't some local laws prevent complimentary alcoholic beverages?

yes...Michigan stands out in my mind...they require someone to pay for the beverages at the established rate (so if a bar comps a beer the bar still rings the beer and charges it to theirself, it MUST be shown somewhere on the P&L)

There ARE standards on which brands will be offered (except for wine where there are only requirements for type of wine offered)....there are no standards which would prevent any hotel from offering drinks to guests at no cost - pricing is a local decision (which would involve local laws)

The logic in this thread baffles me...

Because some people use discount codes found on the net to book codes, it makes good on stealing from the concierge lounge.

Say what??

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.

I work for a large company and use our code for Marriott stays. About a year ago, I was asked to prove I worked for Brand X. I pointed out to the desk clerk that she was holding my corporate credit card, which clearly shows the name and logo and says "Corporate Card" in big letters. The desk clerk asked if I had something "better" that showed I worked for the company, so I reached in my computer bag and pulled out a business card and she was placated.

Now anyone can print a business card showing that he works for any company in the world, but AMEX isn't likely going to issue a corporate card in Brand X's name to anyone off the street. I wanted to point that out to the desk clerk, but held my tongue. For once.

Funny! The exact same thing happened to me at a Country inn & suites once. My corporate Eurocard didn't cut it but an old, invalid businessc ar dI had in my laptop bag was ok.

happened to me as well a few years back. I gave her the CC and she asked for ID which I provided my valid DL. she was fine with that and then asked for an ID to validate the corporate rate eligibiity. I told her the same thing and then refused to provide my work ID and/or bus card. We sat there for five minutes while I said, you validated who I am and that I have a corporate AX with the company name. Finally I said I wasn't moving till a supervisore came. He said, oh thats good enough. What an idiot. She got blasted in the comment card. Funny thing about 3 months later, I get a letter from the GM apologizing. It took me a moment to remember what it was for.

Very well put. ^

I'm sure you're only being allowed to serve yourself because its cheaper than hiring a bartender. The hotels are most likely assuming the majority of people will be honest and pay. Net net at the end of the day, the salary of the bartender most likely exceeds the net cost of those who do not pay.