UK trip now illegal..

Swasterix

Good evening everybody!

I have a UK trip booked for a group of 10 friends at the end of June, where we will be staying in communal accommodation. Clearly this is no longer legal due to the Boris announcement last night. 

I obviously intend to call the company to discuss this as soon as possible, but just wondering where we stand in terms of getting a refund assuming it will be cancelled? It wouldn’t be suitable for us to re-arrange sadly, as this was a stag do and the wedding is looming. Would also prove really difficult from a scheduling point of view.

The balance was paid in full with a credit card. The T&Cs have a section on cancellations, although nothing specifically about COVID. 

I have read the CMA guidance and based on that it seems we should be entitled to a refund, although I have read conflicting articles elsewhere.

I am just trying to get my ducks in a row incase the company are resistant.  Any help is gratefully received. Thanks for reading. 

[Deleted User]

Check the terms, but you're unlikely to be entitled to a refund, unless they've made it so in the contract.

If not and they offer a rescheduling, take it 

Swasterix

Deleted_User said:

Check the terms, but you're unlikely to be entitled to a refund, unless they've made it so in the contract.

If not and they offer a rescheduling, take it 

Hi there, thanks for the reply. Could you give me some insight into why you think it’s so cut and dry?

I don’t want to cancel the trip, it legally cannot take place. Having read the CMA guidance it seems to be the definition of a frustrated contract, although I really don’t know what I’m talking about!

JamoLew

It may well depend on the exact nature of the "communal accommodation"

If for example it's just a big house with 5 bedrooms that sleeps up to 10 people, then technically it is still available as the 10 people could all be from the same household - which would be allowed. Therefore a refund would NOT be forthcoming

Can you provide a link to the accommodation ?

Did you all book individually or is 1 person the "lead" for this ?

k3lvc

Swasterix said:

Deleted_User said:

Check the terms, but you're unlikely to be entitled to a refund, unless they've made it so in the contract.

If not and they offer a rescheduling, take it 

Hi there, thanks for the reply. Could you give me some insight into why you think it’s so cut and dry?

I don’t want to cancel the trip, it legally cannot take place. Having read the CMA guidance it seems to be the definition of a frustrated contract, although I really don’t know what I’m talking about!

But 'legally' a trip for 10 people can take place i.e. families/bubbles etc - just not the configuration that's in your trip. The pivot point will probably be what you actually booked and what the T&C's say. If your booking is for 'the house' then it's still available for you to do what you want to do with it within the current restrictions - whether 1 person or 10 people went. If you booking specifies it's for x number of unrelated individuals you may stand more of a chance

As @Deleted_User says - your best option may be to take the rescheduling and have yourselves a good party at some point in the future 

Swasterix

JamoLew said:

It may well depend on the exact nature of the "communal accommodation"

If for example it's just a big house with 5 bedrooms that sleeps up to 10 people, then technically it is still available as the 10 people could all be from the same household - which would be allowed. Therefore a refund would NOT be forthcoming

Can you provide a link to the accommodation ?

Did you all book individually or is 1 person the "lead" for this ?

It’s a boating weekend, it was booked and paid for by me and I’ve collected the cash from (most) of the attendees. 

Understand what you are saying, although think it would be a little unreasonable as the company are aware that we are a stag group. I do also understand that reasonableness doesn’t necessarily come into it. 

Thanks for the input. Will be ringing them this afternoon so will soon find out. Will update the thread later. 

CKhalvashi

Swasterix said:

JamoLew said:

It may well depend on the exact nature of the "communal accommodation"

If for example it's just a big house with 5 bedrooms that sleeps up to 10 people, then technically it is still available as the 10 people could all be from the same household - which would be allowed. Therefore a refund would NOT be forthcoming

Can you provide a link to the accommodation ?

Did you all book individually or is 1 person the "lead" for this ?

It’s a boating weekend, it was booked and paid for by me and I’ve collected the cash from (most) of the attendees. 

Understand what you are saying, although think it would be a little unreasonable as the company are aware that we are a stag group. I do also understand that reasonableness doesn’t necessarily come into it. 

Thanks for the input. Will be ringing them this afternoon so will soon find out. Will update the thread later. 

That isn't the venues problem though.

You have booked accommodation and/or presumably a boat which sleeps up to 10. This is still available to you, so there is no breach of contract.

I don't see a reason why this couldn't be done after the wedding. It may make a nice 'boys weekend' for you later on. The stag weekend therefore may have to be toned down a little to make things legal.

Thrugelmir

Swasterix said:

I am just trying to get my ducks in a row incase the company are resistant.  Any help is gratefully received. Thanks for reading. 

Read the terms and conditions you agreed to when making the booking.  

mattyprice4004

I would play the 'nice' approach - legally you're not entitled to a refund as the configuration of the party isn't the host's concern. 
The CMA guidance is just that, guidance only. Legally they can refuse a refund as a party all from the same household could occupy the accommodation legally. 

I would aim for a reschedule - I'm getting married later in the year and my stag do is in 2022. Makes no odds when it is, as long as you have something IMO!  

Swasterix

Thrugelmir said:

Swasterix said:

I am just trying to get my ducks in a row incase the company are resistant.  Any help is gratefully received. Thanks for reading. 

Read the terms and conditions you agreed to when making the booking.  

Thanks, I’d never thought of that.

Swasterix

mattyprice4004 said:

I would play the 'nice' approach - legally you're not entitled to a refund as the configuration of the party isn't the host's concern. 
The CMA guidance is just that, guidance only. Legally they can refuse a refund as a party all from the same household could occupy the accommodation legally. 

I would aim for a reschedule - I'm getting married later in the year and my stag do is in 2022. Makes no odds when it is, as long as you have something IMO!  

Thanks Matty, I fully intend to be nice. I understand that this is a terrible situation for the company too. Will be ringing them this afternoon to discuss so will come back to update the thread as am assuming there are many others in a similar position. 

Good luck with the wedding mate. I hope it all works out for you