Thorpe Park Refusing to Refund help

ajcarrier

Hi, i bought two tickets for Thorpe Park for use in May this year. They were forced to close due to covid and are now offering ability to rebook a new date. When i requested a refund instead they are refusing. Has anyone had any experience with them to help? The only term i can see related is this: “The reason for any closure or restriction provided by this condition may include technical or operational reasons, capacity, inclement weather, special events or to ensure the safety and security of guests or if Merlin reasonably considers the circumstances so require. If the whole Attraction is closed for any of the reasons set out above, we reserve the right to offer substitute tickets for admission to the Attraction on an alternative date in substitution for any other form of redress.” Any help? 

bradders1983

Looks like that term is fair enough, you cant expect them to list every possible reason for closure.

jimkelly

Stock answer unfortunately.

In "normal" times, like any company in the events/travel/hospitality industry, you'd probably get your refund no questions asked if they had to close for whatever reason - for example a rodent infestation.

At the moment though, if they have any money in the bank, the survival of the company will be number one priority and issuing refunds (when alternative dates can be offered instead) will be bottom of the list.

ajcarrier

jimkelly said:

Stock answer unfortunately.

In "normal" times, like any company in the events/travel/hospitality industry, you'd probably get your refund no questions asked if they had to close for whatever reason - for example a rodent infestation.

At the moment though, if they have any money in the bank, the survival of the company will be number one priority and issuing refunds (when alternative dates can be offered instead) will be bottom of the list.

So am i correct in thinking that they are allowed to not offer refunds in this case? Therefore my only option is to accept the ability to rebook? (My issue being that they are saying i have to rebook for another date this season, which closes mid october for which 1 im not comfortable going in the current climate, and 2 dont have any free weekends till then)

bradders1983

If you dont have a free weekend, go in midweek 🤷‍♂️

Jeremy535897

See https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds

ajcarrier

Jeremy535897 said:

See ..

Thanks, i had read this first and it points to should be able to get a refund, but my question was whether this would be true when they have the line given in my original post within their terms and conditions?

Jeremy535897

ajcarrier said:

Jeremy535897 said:

See ..

Thanks, i had read this first and it points to should be able to get a refund, but my question was whether this would be true when they have the line given in my original post within their terms and conditions?

The question is whether such a term is fair. You can't have a contract that says "I will sell you X for £250 in advance. If I can't be bothered to send it to you, you have no right of refund." That example is of course absurd to make the point.

GDB2222

I suppose the other question is how you paid for this? Credit card, perhaps? Unless the tickets came to over £100, CCA 75 does not apply. However, most credit cards have charge-back arrangements. Worth trying?