Separate checks refers to the practice of dividing a restaurant bill into individual portions for each person in a group so that they can pay for their own meals separately. This is typically done when a group of people dine together and each person orders their own food and drinks. By requesting separate checks, each person can pay for their own expenses without having to split the bill evenly or calculate individual amounts owed. Many restaurants are able to accommodate separate checks upon request, although some may have specific policies or restrictions around this practice.