Summer 2018 Wedding venues Ensure all s fair in love and contracts Play by the rules to avoid ruining the happiest day of peoples lives Its one of the biggest events in peoples lives, but a wedding can also be one of the most expensive. So it is important that businesses operating in this sector trade in a fair manner, and that consumers are protected and know their rights. It is reasonable that hotels and other venues hosting such events have terms and conditions in their contracts so that both parties know where they stand. However, it is important that any terms are fair and that they comply with the unfair contract provisions in the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Several contract terms could be considered unfair, including: High advanced payments/deposits Charging consumers more money up front than the actual costs incurred by the venue may be considered unfair. Generally, a deposit should be a small percentage of the total price being charged. It is very likely to be unfair if the venue makes people pay the full cost of the service in advance. Non-refundable deposits If consumers cancel their contract, the venue may only retain a reasonable amount from the deposit to cover actual losses. It would usually be seen as unfair to retain the full deposit, particularly if the cancellation is made many months or even years before the event. Venues are entitled to be compensated for cancellation by the customer, but the amount will depend on the circumstances of each case. Cancellation charges Venues should not impose a blanket charge for cancellation. If it is possible to rehire the venue, or resell the food and/or drink, the venue must not charge the customer for the anticipated loss of profit. Consumers are not bound by unfair terms, and can challenge them in the courts if they think they are unfair. In addition, Trading Standards or the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) can take action against any business trying to rely on unfair terms. Credit: Sylvia Rook Images: iStock.com / omgimages Leaflets explaining the law around unfair terms, are available on GOV.UK and a general guide can be found on the Business Companion website. For any other information, contact your local Trading Unfair terms that have been seen in contracts nBookings are confirmed upon receipt of a signed copy of our booking form, along with a 1,000 deposit, which is non-refundable Responsibilities of: nAt of the booking, theput it n Retailers if food hasthe notime English labelling, do not on your shelves customer shall be required to pay athat deposit of 20% of the hire n Wholesalers ensure food information is provided fees The deposits shall be nonin English n Importers if yourefundable import food from outside the EU, youare the food business responsible for both the In the of event of a cancellation product and then accuracy the label. You will need to will invoice charges based on add your business(we) name and address to the packaging. a percentage the total booking on The Food Standards Agency hasoffurther information imported food. value Foreign-labelled food be allergy aware Translating labels English translations should be done by the manufacturer or the business named on the label; they will be in the best position to know exactly what is in the food. If you supply food with foreign-language labelling and the allergens are not displayed in English, you are putting your customers lives as well as your business at risk. You are not advised to translate labels yourself, as you willbe responsible for their accuracy and will be liable for any errors. Food for sale in the UK must be labelled in English. Labels can feature a different language, but the information required by law must be in English. This includes any allergens. If you dont give the correct allergen information, you may be commiting a criminal offence, for which the maximum penalty is an unlimited fine. Some people are allergic to certain foods, so if they cant tell whether a product contains allergens, it could result in serious health implications for them or even death. Contact your local Trading Standards Service for moreadvice. Credit: Stuart Powell Images: iStock.com / mrtom-uk For further information please contact your local Trading Standards Service