Adsum

May 2005

Souvenirs from Restaurants

Father Connell Answers Moral Questions
by Very Rev. Francis J. Connell, C.SS.R., S.T.D., L.L.D., L.H.D.

Question: What is the morality of taking spoons, napkins, towels, etc., from restaurants, hotels motels, and other such establishments as “souvenirs”? Apparently many persons regard this as a perfectly lawful custom, and I have been told that such establishments make provision for such “souvenir-collecting” by regularly replenishing their supply of equipment.

Answer: It should seem that this manner of collecting “souvenirs” is nothing else but theft. The mere fact that a restaurant or hotel makes provision for such purloining on the part of the guests by arranging to purchase extra equipment at regular intervals is not proof that the owners or managers give permission. It would seem merely to indicate that they know that many of their guests are dishonest and that they cannot take adequate measures against their thefts. Sometimes the statement is made that the owners and managers condone the collecting of “souvenirs” by their guests on the ground that these articles, spread through the country, will serve as good advertising material for their establishments. But this seems like a far-fetched argument. If these persons are willing to advertise in this way, they should make an announcement to that effect.

The manager of a large hotel whom I consulted on this matter informed me that the taking of “souvenirs” occurs every month to the extent of thousands of dollars. He also assured me that the management does not grant any permission to guests to make off with the equipment, but accepts the situation as something that inevitably is going to happen. It would be advisable for priests in their instructions to point out the sinfulness of this custom, which apparently is regarded by so many persons as perfectly lawful.

Back to May 2005 Newsletter
Back to top

Printed copies of Adsum, a publication by the seminarians of Mater Dei Seminary for the reading enjoyment of friends and benefactors, are sent free of charge to all who request it. Most issues also contain photos of recent events involving the seminarians. If you would like to put on this mailing list, please use this form.