Chap. 841.—An ACT for the protection of hotels and boarding-houses.

Approved March 8, 1894.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That who-
ever puts up at a hotel or boarding-house and, without having an
express agreement for credit, procures food, entertainment or accom-
modation without paying therefor, and with intent to cheat or de-
fraud the owner or keeper of such hotel or boarding-house out of the
pay for the same; or, with intent to cheat or defraud such owner
or keeper out of the pay therefor, obtains credit at a hotel or board-
ing-house for such food, entertainment or accommodation by means
of any false show of baggage or effects brought thereto; or, with
such intent, obtains credit at a hotel or boarding-house for such
food, entertainment or accommodation through any misrepresenta-
tion or false statement; or, with such intent, removes or causes to
be removed any baggage or effects from a hotel or boarding-house
while there is a lien existing thereon for the proper charges due. from
him for fare and board furnished therein, shall be punished by im-
prisonment not exceeding three months or by fine not exceeding
fifty dollars.

2. This act shall be in force from its passage.