Chapter 7.36
LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS

Sections:

7.36.010    Theft of services.

7.36.010 Theft of services.

(1) A person commits a crime of theft of services if:

(a) With intent to avoid payment therefor, he/she obtains services that are available only for compensation, by force, threat, deception or other means to avoid payment for the services; or

(b) Having control over the disposition of labor or of business, commercial or industrial equipment or facilities or another, he/she uses or diverts to the use of himself/herself or a third person such labor, equipment or facilities with intent to derive a commercial benefit for himself/herself or a third person not entitled thereto.

(2) As used in this section, “services” includes, but is not limited to, labor, professional services, toll facilities, transportation, telephone or other communications service, entertainment, the supplying of food, lodging or other accommodations in hotels, restaurants or elsewhere, the supplying of equipment for use, and the supplying of commodities of a public nature such as gas, electricity, steam and water.

(3) Absconding without payment or offer to pay for hotel, restaurant or other services for which compensation is customarily paid immediately upon the receiving of them is prima facie evidence that the services were obtained by deception. (Ord. 5026 § 1, 1993; Ord. 3603 § 10, 1972; Ord. 2823 § 23, 1958).