Refusal to refund deposit - please help?

peridot1984

Hi all - looking for your advice here. Three weeks ago I paid a deposit for 4 tables in a bar in Edinburgh (I won't mention the name). I was told I had to pay £30 to secure the booking incase I did not turn up on the night and I would have it returned when I arrived on the night. Due to money reasons I no longer wish to have s big night out in town for my (30th) birthday, and called the bar this evening to cancel the booking. The booking itself is for over 5 weeks way. So anyway the bar manager ages is refusing to return my deposit as I'm not turning up on the night. I had a lengthy conversation with the manager who stated it was their policy not to refund deposits, despite him claiming the bar was "completely full" every night. Can someone please explain if I have any rights here? I'm really quite upset and frustrated.

gunsandbanjos

Think you would be relying on good will to get your deposit back and there clearly doesn't seem to be any here.

It does seem a bit unfair given your booking is 5 weeks away, but most deposits are non refundable in this situation.

Can you not send someone along on the night you were meant to be out who can ask for the deposit refunded there and then.

Bantex_2

Sort of defeats the object of a deposit if you can just get it refunded on asking.

frugal_mike

I believe they are allowed to use the refund to cover any losses due to your breach of contract. If they have no losses (such as because they sell the place to another customer) then they should refund it. I have no idea what, if any, their losses would be though.

DaveTheMus

Go on the night you've booked order a glass of tap water then leave with your deposit.

wealdroam

OP, this post might interest you:

Is a deposit ever refundable?

SuperHan

The crux would be if the table is rebooked before the night. If it is, then you should be entitled to your money back as they cannot keep costs that they have otherwise recovered. They may keep a small amount for admin though.

You may have to threaten with court action, but if you call a few days before your booking and try to rebook and are told it's full, that will count in your favour.

shaun_from_Africa

If they won't refund some of the payment, do you live far from the bar in question? and do you still intend going out on your 30th but just for a smaller "bash"?

If it was me and I was in the area on the date in question, I would then turn up at the bar at the appointed time and if the place looked very busy, ask for your four tables. If you get told that they are full and your reservation was cancelled, then ask again for your £30 back whilst you are there. (and keep a record of the names of the people you speak to and the timings).

It wouldn't be worth making a special journey to do this, but if you are going to be in the area that night anyway, it might be worth trying.