Restaurant changes booking

Bellaclarabelle

I've booked to go to a restaurant before a birthday trip to watch a rugby game. The restaurant is at the rugby ground. I've paid in advance. I booked for the first sitting before the game but have now received an email saying they have changed our booking to the second sitting which is later and not suitable for us. I have asked for a refund and have been told that "Unfortunately, our terms and condition are no refunds."
Surely I am entitled to a refund as they are not providing what I originally booked?
TIA

marcia_

 I would push for a refund on the basis that they not you have cancelled the booking required. 

How did you pay? 

Grumpy_chap

Bellaclarabelle said:

I've booked to go to a restaurant before a birthday trip to watch a rugby game. The restaurant is at the rugby ground. I've paid in advance. I booked for the first sitting before the game but have now received an email saying they have changed our booking to the second sitting which is later and not suitable for us. I have asked for a refund and have been told that "Unfortunately, our terms and condition are no refunds."
Surely I am entitled to a refund as they are not providing what I originally booked?
TIA

Does the second sitting still allow you to watch the match?

Bellaclarabelle

I paid by debit card. The second sitting finishes 15 minutes before the match starts but we don't have allocated seats, we have tickets standing on the terraces. It will be nearly impossible to find a space which is why I booked the first sitting.

Olinda99

they have broken their contract so insist on a refund or do a chargeback

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

Hello OP

They can't take a booking with a deposit, say it's non-refundable and then change the booking, in short* it's nonsense, I would look to your card provider for a chargeback but would notify the club that is your intention beforehand and they might buckle. 

*In long page 98-101 regarding unfair terms: Trader’s right to vary terms generally – Schedule 2, Part 1, paragraph 11 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/450440/Unfair_Terms_Main_Guidance.pdf

Bellaclarabelle

Thanks so much for your help, this is exactly what I need to know. 

born_again

Olinda99 said:

they have broken their contract so insist on a refund or do a chargeback

Won't work as they will say that alternative has been offered

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

born_again said:

Olinda99 said:

they have broken their contract so insist on a refund or do a chargeback

Won't work as they will say that alternative has been offered

Thanks for clarifying Is that what the bank will say or will bank put through a chargeback and that could be the clubs defence to the chargeback?

Either way let's hope the club don't know that.

OP if a chargeback is no go you are looking a letter before (templates on Google) and small claims, doubt the club would let this get to small claims once someone with some sense looks at it... 

born_again

If bank did the chargeback, that would be the expected outcome. If they contest.
Of course they may not & just take the legal route to recover funds.

Would be interesting to know why the change to the booking?
Lack of takers, or over booked. Might make a difference to any action going forward.

Aylesbury_Duck

Bellaclarabelle said:

I paid by debit card. The second sitting finishes 15 minutes before the match starts but we don't have allocated seats, we have tickets standing on the terraces. It will be nearly impossible to find a space which is why I booked the first sitting.

Surely they sell terrace seats to a fixed capacity so there ought to be space?

On the basis of your account I thought they've breached the contract but you'll need to read the terms of the booking. I don't see how the changed time adversely affects your situation.  You have standing tickets, there will be space to stand.