Refund Rights?

baz995

Apologies if this is the incorrect area for refund advice.

My work recently had their Xmas meal and I was attending, sadly I had to cancel due to another commitment. I called the venue directly on the Monday morning to let them know and was informed that they had taken my name and would cross me off the list any refunds would need to be given by the person at my work that was organising it.

She was out of office until today (Fri) and has told me this morning that no refunds will be given. I have contacted the venue again but they have also said no refunds are given on meals as they need 48 hours notice. I explained that the meal was 1800 on the Weds night and I called Monday morning, but was told again, no refunds. If it was only a few pounds, despite the principal, I wouldnt be too bothered but I paid £25 for a meal that I told them in advance I would not be having.

Would anyone be able to let me know where I stand ?

InsideInsurance

So presumably they are denying you spoke to them on Monday? Did you take the name of the person you spoke to when you called?

baz995

they have not denied it (yet) but just straight out refused refund. There are only two people there, one male and one female. Spoke to the chap on Monday and the woman this morning.

Buzby

Your response is typical, but correct. you did not enter into a booking, but used a 3rd party. Only they can modify or cancel the block booking. The fact she was unavailable is not their problem. And when she called was told the time was too late, which it was.

Try to sell your ticket to someone who wants to go or take a partner - they can then pay you.

shaun_from_Africa

Try to sell your ticket to someone who wants to go or take a partner - they can then pay you.

But the Christmas meal has already taken place.

Highlandlass28

shaun_from_Africa wrote: »

But the Christmas meal has already taken place.

I have one every year

SuperHan

Buzby wrote: »

Your response is typical, but correct. you did not enter into a booking, but used a 3rd party. Only they can modify or cancel the block booking. The fact she was unavailable is not their problem. And when she called was told the time was too late, which it was.

Would the person booking not be considered an agent of the person going to the party? If that's the case, then the booker has no right to cancel. Once the contract is formed, they effectively drop out, and it is the principal and the 3rd party (restaurant) who are bound by the T&Cs.

I suppose this depends on when the contract is deemed to have formed, but it is unusual that the notice given by the OP wasn't sufficient.

PhylPho

OP: the party organizer -- the woman you refer to who you weren't able to speak to until after the event -- made the booking with the venue. The venue isn't legally obliged to vary the terms of a contract between itself and an event organizer if someone else asks it to. This is what happened in your case. It's very unfortunate but the venue is entitled to adopt the not unreasonable defence that if it went around cancelling or revising events on the say-so of someone it had never previously heard of / spoken to, then it might soon be out of business due to hoaxers and fraudsters.

If you have the name of the person you actually spoke to, and the time of that conversation, then you might like to ask the party organizer -- now that she's accessible again -- to have another go on your behalf. But trying to resolve this yourself doesn't look like it will get you anywhere.

baz995

Many thanks for all the advice, I called CAB who informed me that as I had given them notice in advance of their 48 hour cancellation period I am entitled to a full refund. They also suggested that I ask for a copy of their full T&Cs and a break down of any costs they feel they have incurred.

Letter drafted and will be posting out recorded tomorrow.

Country_Cousin

Oh but I am glad I don't work with you. It is so difficult to have to organise Xmas parties in offices - trying to organise the date, sort out fussy eaters, add service charges onto the cost because if you don't people forget to leave the included service fee at the table and the more conscientious few end up footing that bill

Then to have to deal with people who drop out at the last minute and who start contacting CAB about refunds etc.
If I was the organiser I am very sorry but I would not want to ask you next year...

bod1467

baz995 wrote: »

Many thanks for all the advice, I called CAB who informed me that as I had given them notice in advance of their 48 hour cancellation period I am entitled to a full refund.

What PRECISELY did you say to CAB? I suspect it wasn't the full, true story, so their advice may be incorrect.