Every operator of an automobile parking lot or storage garage who takes possession of the customer's automobile and requires keys to be left with the automobile or the employees of the parking lot or garage, shall be liable as bailee for hire and shall be obligated safely to keep and return the automobiles so parked or stored and shall be liable for any loss or damage to the automobiles except such as is caused by persons or forces beyond the control of the operator and his employees. The liability shall expressly include liability for theft, and for damage resulting from collision of any type on the lot or in the garage where the event is in the control of or should be in the control of the operator and his employees.
(KRS 189.710)