THE FOX MOUNTAIN COUNTRY Club was a popular location for wed dings in a midsized town. In the winter, the country club offered a free coat check service to its guests. A staff member employed by the country club operated the coat check service. The coat checkroom was located just outside the entrance to the club's Crystal Ballroom. At a wedding held on June 15, Mrs. Kathy Weldo presented her full- length sable coat to the uniformed coat check attendant at the country club. Mrs. Weldo was given a small plastic tag with a number, which she observed corresponded to the number on a coat hanger where her coat was hung. Standing outside the coatroom, Mrs. Weldo had a clear view of her fur as it hung on the coat rack. Mrs. Weldo remarked to the attendant that the coat was very valuable," and that she hoped the attendant would watch over it carefully Upon leaving the club at 1:00 A. M., Mrs. Weldo went to the coat check area to retrieve her coat, only to find that it was missing. When she inquired about the coat's location, the coat check attendant apologized profusey but could not explain the coat's disappearance. The attendant stated that he had left the coatroom unattended only twice that evening, one time for a 15-minute dinner break and the other for a 5-minute cigarette break. The door to the coatroom was left open and unlocked during those periods, so that guests who left early could retrieve their own coats Mrs. Weldo returned to the club the next day to speak to Ms. Miles, the club manager. Ms. Miles pointed to a sign prominently displayed near the coatroom door stating, The club is not responsible for lost or stolen property." She recommended that Mrs. Weldo refer the matter to her insurance company.

1. What was the nature of the bailment relationship in this situation?

2. Did the club exercise reasonable care in the handling of Mrs. Weldo's coat?

3. What should the club manager do in the future to avoid situations such as this?