Why do certain restaurants refuse to write separate checks for p

Cape May / North Cape May - Why do certain restaurants refuse to write separate checks for people dining together? I have eaten in many restaurants in many states. Usually, the request for separate checks is easily accommodated. In Cape May, however, there is often a problem. I really do not understand why. What possible harm does this create for the restaurant, and what happened to "the customer is always right?" I think it's time for places in Cape May to get with the program! It's 2015, folks.