Tennessee § 68-14-602 - Right to refuse use of lodging establishment — Grounds.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-14-602 — Right to refuse use of lodging establishment — Grounds., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 68-14-602. Right to refuse use of lodging establishment — Grounds.

An innkeeper has the right to refuse or deny any accommodations, facilities or privileges of a lodging establishment to: Any person who is unwilling or unable to pay for accommodations and services of the lodging establishment. The innkeeper has the right to require the prospective guest to demonstrate the person's ability to pay by cash, valid credit card or a validated check. The innkeeper may require a parent of a minor to: Accept, in writing, liability of the guest room costs, taxes, all charges by the minor and any damages to the guest room or its furnishings caused by the minor while a guest at the lodging establishment; and Provide the innkeeper with a valid credit card number to cover the guest room costs, taxes, charges by the minor and any damages to the guest room or its furnishings caused by the minor; or If the credit card is not an option, give the innkeeper: An advance cash payment to cover the guest room costs and taxes for all room nights reserved for the minor; plus A fifty-dollar cash deposit towards the payment of any charges by the minor or any damages to the guest room or its furnishings, which cash deposit will be refunded to the extent not used to cover any such charges or any damages as determined by the innkeeper following room inspection at check-out; Any person who is visibly intoxicated and who is disorderly so as to create a public nuisance; Any person whom the innkeeper reasonably believes is seeking accommodations for any unlawful purpose, including the unlawful possession or use of controlled substances or controlled substance analogues by such person in violation of the Tennessee Drug Control Act of 1989, compiled in title 39, chapter 17, part 4, or the use of the premises for the consumption of alcoholic beverages by any person under twenty-one (21) years of age in violation of § 1-3-113(b); Any person whom the innkeeper reasonably believes is bringing into the lodging establishment items or substances that may be dangerous to other persons, such as firearms or explosives; or Any person when the lodging establishment is acting to restrict the number of persons who shall occupy any particular guest room in the lodging establishment. The innkeeper refusing or denying accommodations, facilities or privileges of a lodging establishment for any of the reasons specified in subsection (a) shall not be liable in any civil or criminal action or for any fine or penalty based upon such refusal or denial, except that such accommodation, facilities or privilege of a lodging establishment shall not be refused or denied based upon the person's race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, marital status or age, other than as provided in this part. Acts 1994, ch. 907, § 3; 2012, ch. 848, § 91.

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 68-14-602

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-14-602 cover?

Section 68-14-602 ("Right to refuse use of lodging establishment — Grounds.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Tennessee § 68-14-602?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-14-602" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 68-14-602 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.