Event terms and conditions 1. General 1.1 In this Contract (unless the contract otherwise requires), the following words shall have the following meanings: "Appendix" means the appendix attached hereto which sets out specific details of the Event; “Client” means the company, firm, body, agent or person booking the Event; "Conditions" means these terms and conditions which apply to all event bookings at the Hotel; "Contract" means these Conditions and the Appendix; “Event” means the event (including, but not limited to, the accommodation, services and other facilities) booked by the Client, further details of which are set out in the Appendix; "Event Manager" means the Hotel's event manager from time to time; “Hotel” means Quintessential Group of Hotels and/or the Hotel specified in the Appendix; “Minimum Guaranteed Number” means the number of guests/delegates for the accommodation and/or Event per day as specified in the Appendix; “Price” means the price specified in the Appendix; and “Revenue” means the revenue anticipated by the Hotel in respect of the Event and any other facility or service which has been booked by the Client in connection with the Event, including an estimate by the Hotel for beverage consumption during the Event. 1.1 This Contract is created upon the Hotel accepting the Client's confirmation of Event booking and issuing the Contract to the Client for signature. 1.2 The Conditions shall prevail over any other terms and conditions (whether or not inconsistent with these Conditions) and whether such conditions are in writing or are implied by custom, practice or course of dealing. For the avoidance of doubt, these Conditions shall also prevail over any other conditions previously published by the Hotel in respect of event bookings. 2. Event numbers and guest/delegate details 2.1 The Client shall confirm final numbers for the Event to the Event Manager no later than three working days prior to commencement of the Event. If final numbers are less than that permitted under clauses 2.2 and 2.3, then a cancellation charge will apply. If final numbers increase over that previously communicated to the Events Manager, the Client will be charged accordingly. 2.2 The Minimum Guaranteed Number may be adjusted by the Client provided that such adjustment is communicated to and accepted by the Event Manager and such reduction complies with clause 2.3. 2.3 The Minimum Guaranteed Number may be reduced as follows: 2.3.1 12 - 6 months prior to the Event: a 5% reduction to the Minimum Guaranteed Number; 2.3.2 6 - 3 months prior to the Event: a 5% reduction to the Minimum Guaranteed Number, or where the Minimum Guaranteed Number has already been reduced in accordance with clause 2.3.1 above, a 5% reduction to that reduced number; 2.3.3 3 - 1 months prior to the Event: a 5% reduction to the Minimum Guaranteed Number, or where the Minimum Guaranteed Number has already been reduced in accordance with clauses 2.3.1 or 2.3.2 above, a 5% reduction to the reduced number (whichever is the smaller number). 2.4 Should the number of delegates/guests attending the Event significantly increase or decrease then the Hotel reserves the right (upon providing at least three working days' notice to the Client) to provide alternative accommodation and space of an appropriate size for the Event. 2.5 The Client shall provide the Event Manager with a written rooming list providing details of guests/delegates for overnight accommodation at least two weeks prior to the Event. 2.6 For wedding events, unnamed bedroom allocations will be released four weeks prior to the Event. 3. Room availability 3.1 Bedroom accommodation is available from 2 p.m. on the day of arrival and must be vacated by 11 a.m. on the day of departure, unless specific alternative arrangements have been agreed with the Hotel. Extension beyond these times shall entitle the Hotel to impose additional charges. 3.2 Other rooms booked for the Event are available from the times specified in the Appendix and any extension beyond these times shall entitle the Hotel to impose additional charges. 3.3 In the unlikely circumstances that the Hotel does not have the number and types of rooms available at the Hotel on the dates required for the Event, the Hotel reserves the right (without liability) to relocate the Event to an alternative Hotel of a similar standard in the same locality. 3.4 If a particular room which has been booked by the Client is unavailable at the Hotel on the required dates, the Hotel reserves the right (without liability) to relocate the client to an alternative room of a similar standard within the same Hotel. 3.5 Any reasonable expenses incurred for relocation shall be borne by the Hotel. The acceptance of this obligation (which will not release the Client of the obligation to pay the Hotel the relevant charges) shall be in lieu of all other liabilities or obligations. 3.6 The Hotel reserves the right to accept more than one event on a particular day. If the Client wishes to obtain exclusive use of the Hotel for their Event, this may be arranged for an additional charge. 4. Cancellation 4.1 By the Hotel: The Hotel reserves the right to cancel the Event (or any part thereof) if: 4.1.1 the Client fails to adhere to any of these Conditions; 4.1.2 in the opinion of the Hotel, there has been a significant change in the Client’s contracted booking (e.g. reduction in days/accommodation); 4.1.3 the Client is insolvent or the Hotel has reasonable grounds for anticipating the same; 4.1.4 the Hotel is not satisfied with the client's credit status; 4.1.5 in the opinion of the Hotel, the Event might prejudice the reputation of the Hotel; 4.1.6 if the Hotel, or any part of it, is closed or damaged due to circumstances beyond it’s reasonable control; or 4.1.7 the Hotel is requested to cancel the Event by any government or other authority. 4.2 By the Client: In this clause 4.2, the Event will be considered "Cancelled" by the Hotel when a Client, by written notification to the Event Manager: 4.2.1 cancels or postpones the entire Event; 4.2.2 cancels or postpones any element of the Event (e.g. meal / syndicate rooms); 4.2.3 reduces the number of guests/delegates below that permitted in clauses 2.2 and 2.3; or 4.2.4 reduces the duration of the Event as a result of which the contracted value is reduced. 4.3 If an Event is Cancelled, the Hotel shall have the right to impose a cancellation charge ("Cancellation Charge") which shall be calculated as a percentage of the Revenue as detailed below. Timing of Cancellation Percentage of Revenue In excess of 6 months prior to the Event 30% 6 – 2 months prior to the Event 60% 2 months or less prior to the Event 90% 4.4 The Hotel will make every effort to re-sell to another client the accommodation, function rooms, services and other facilities booked in connection with the Event and a proportional reduction in the Cancellation Charge will be made if the Hotel is successful. 4.5 If a Cancellation Charge is due, any deposit will be held until the original Event dates have passed and an assessment of the charges can be made by the Hotel and the deposit offset against the Cancellation Charge. 4.6 Any guests or delegates who do not arrive or depart early will be charged at 100% of their respective Revenue. 5. Payment terms and credit accounts 5.1 The Hotel reserves the right to amend the Price upon written notice to the Client in order to reflect any change in cost beyond the reasonable control of the Hotel (including but not limited to changes in VAT and import / export duties). 5.2 The Client shall make all payments due under the Contract in Pounds Sterling and within 14 days of the date of the relevant invoice or request for payment. 5.3 A credit account may be applied for up to 28 days prior to the Event and, if accepted, will be confirmed to the Client by the Hotel. For the avoidance of doubt, credit accounts are given at the absolute discretion of the Hotel. 5.4 The Hotel reserves the right to amend or withdraw credit facilities at any time and/or require payment of the Price or any other amount due in full or in part, without further liability, upon written notice to the Client if in the Hotel's view, the Client's credit worthiness deteriorates. 5.5 If the Client is an approved credit account customer of the Hotel, the Client shall pay to the Hotel a deposit of 50% of the Revenue at least one month prior to commencement of the Event and shall pay the balance of the sum due within 14 days of the date of the invoice. 5.6 If the Client is not an approved credit account customer of the Hotel the following provisions apply: 5.6.1 The Client shall pay to the Hotel a deposit of 25% of the Revenue at the time of confirming the Event booking. 5.6.2 The Client shall pay the balance and any additional cost incurred by the Hotel in connection with the Event at least 28 days before the date of the Event. 5.6.3 The Client shall provide the Hotel with credit card details at least 14 days before the Event to cover the cost of any additional charges that may be incurred. 5.7 For wedding events the following provisions apply: 5.7.1 The Client shall pay to the Hotel a £500 non-refundable deposit at the time of confirming the Event booking. 5.7.2 The Client shall pay to the Hotel an additional deposit of 50% of the Revenue at least three months before the Event. 5.7.3 The Client shall pay the balance and any additional cost incurred by the Hotel in connection with the Event at least 28 days before the Event. 5.7.4 The Client shall provide the Hotel with credit card details at least 14 days before the Event to cover the cost of any additional charges that may be incurred. 5.8 Should the Revenue of the Event increase after the initial deposit has been paid, the Hotel may request an additional deposit be paid prior to the Event. 5.9 If the Client fails to pay any amount due under the Contract on the due date the Hotel may charge interest at an annual rate of 3% above the base rate for the time being of Barclays Bank Plc for the period from the due date up to and including the date of receipt (whether before or after judgement). 5.10 The Client shall notify the Hotel of any disputed amounts within 5 working days of the date of the invoice or request for payment. The Client shall pay the undisputed amount within 14 days of the date of the invoice. The disputed amount may be withheld until the dispute is resolved but shall bear interest as set out in clause 5.9 if found to be due. 5.11 All payments by the Client to the Hotel shall be made without deduction or set off. 5.12 Invoices shall be sent to the address and be marked for the attention of the person as detailed in the Appendix. The Client shall notify the Hotel of any change to the billing address or addressee as soon as reasonably practicable. 6. Outside and third party contractors 6.1 The Hotel reserves the right to refuse any external entertainment, services or activities that the Client may have arranged and does not accept any liability for the acts or omissions of any party employed by the Client in connection with the Event. 6.2 The Client shall (and shall procure that all third parties employed by the Client) comply at all times with all regulations (whether statutory or otherwise), the Hotel's rules and regulations and any reasonable requests of the Hotel. 6.3 The Client shall ensure that these Conditions are brought to the attention of all third parties employed in connection with the Event. 7. Licences 7.1 The Hotel shall be responsible for applying for any additional licences, consents and permits required in connection with the Event, provided the Client gives sufficient notice of their exact requirements to allow such applications to take place and the Client meets the reasonable costs associated with such application. The Client shall not be entitled to cancel or postpone the Event on the basis of an unsuccessful application. 7.2 The Client shall (and shall procure that all third parties employed by the Client) comply with the terms of all licences, consents and permits (including any conditions attached thereto) and any decision or recommendation by the licensing officer or other licensing or entertainment authority. 8. Security 8.1 Unless specific security arrangements are made with the Hotel, the Hotel accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage to property of the Client, delegates/guests or any third parties employed by the Client beyond that provided for in the Hotel Proprietors' Act 1956 (as may be amended). The Client should note that some Event rooms are not capable of being locked and that the Client shall be responsible for informing its delegates/guests of this prior to the Event and for taking all reasonable security measures. 8.2 Security can be arranged by the Hotel with adequate prior notice at an additional charge. 9. Fire, health and safety 9.1 The Client shall (and shall procure that all third parties employed by the Client) comply at all times with all fire, electrical, health and safety regulations (whether statutory or otherwise) including (but not limited to) the Fire Precautions Act 1971 (as may be amended). 9.2 The Client shall ensure that any materials brought into the Hotel (e.g. stage sets) are so far as possible made of non-flammable materials, that fire exits are kept clear at all times, and where a fire exit sign will be obscured, the Client shall ensure that appropriate temporary signs are erected. 9.3 All electrical contractors must be NICEICI, EEA or IEE registered and the Client shall provide the Hotel with written evidence of this if so requested by the Hotel. 9.4 The Client shall provide the Hotel with a list of names of all visiting contractors and third parties if so requested by the Hotel. 9.5 The Hotel reserves the right to evacuate the Hotel in the event of a Fire Alarm or other emergency irrespective of whether it is a genuine emergency or not, in order to protect all guests and staff and in this event, does not accept any liability for any consequent delay to the Event. 9.6 The Client shall obtain the prior written approval from the Hotel and any public authority (where necessary) if it (or any third party employed by it) wishes to fix items to the walls, floors and ceilings or to use smoke machines, lasers, fireworks, cracked oil, dry ice or any form of pyrotechnic. 9.7 Where motor vehicles will be used and/or displayed in connection with the Event, the Client shall (and shall procure that all third parties employed by the Client in this regard) comply with the following provisions: 9.7.1 the vehicle shall not contain any fuel of any nature; 9.7.2 the vehicle's battery shall either be removed or disconnected prior to the vehicle entering the Hotel's premises; 9.7.3 the vehicle (including, but not limited to, its tyres) shall be satisfactorily clean; 9.7.4 access and exit times that have been specified or agreed with the Hotel shall be strictly adhered to; and 9.7.5 any appropriate oil drip trays are used. 9.8 The Hotel reserves the right to refuse access by any vehicle for failure to comply with any of the provisions in clause 9.7, any reasonable request of the Hotel or if it considers that access and/or use of the proposed vehicles may cause damage to the Hotel's premises. 10. Liability 10.1 Subject to clause 10.3 below, the Hotel is not liable to the Client in contract, tort (including negligence or breach of statutory duty) misrepresentation or otherwise for any of the following losses or damages, whether direct or indirect, and even if such losses and/or damages were foreseen, foreseeable or known, or the Hotel was advised of the possibility of them in advance: 10.1.1 loss of business opportunity; 10.1.2 loss of anticipated savings; 10.1.3 loss of goodwill; or 10.1.4 any indirect, special or consequential loss or damage howsoever caused. 10.2 The entire liability of the Hotel under or in connection with the contract whether for negligence, breach of contract, misrepresentation or otherwise, is limited in respect of each event or series of connected events to the Price. 10.3 Nothing in this Contract shall operate to exclude or restrict either party's liability for: 10.3.1 death or personal injury resulting from negligence; or 10.3.2 fraud or deceit. 10.4 The Client shall indemnify and keep indemnified the Hotel from and against all claims, actions, damages, liabilities and costs (including professional fees) arising out of the acts or omissions of the Client or any guest/delegate of or third party employed by the Client, save to the extent that any such claim arises as a result of the negligence of the Hotel, its employees or agents. 11. Force majeure 11.1 In this clause 11, "Force Majeure Event" means any circumstance beyond the control of the Hotel including, but not limited to acts of God, fire, explosion, adverse weather conditions, flood, earthquake, terrorism, riot, civil commotion, war, hostilities, strikes, work stoppages, slow-downs or other industrial disputes, accidents, riots or civil disturbances, acts of government, lack of power and delays by suppliers or materials shortages but, for the avoidance of doubt, nothing shall excuse the Client from any payment obligations under the Contract. 11.2 If the Hotel is prevented or hindered from hosting the Event by a Force Majeure Event, the Hotel may, at its sole option, and without being liable for any loss or damage suffered by the Client or guests/delegates of or any third party employed by the Client re-locate the Event to another hotel in the same locality, or terminate the Contract forthwith by giving notice to that effect to the Client. 12. General 12.1 Should any delegates/guests of or third parties employed by the Client behave in a manner that is considered unacceptable to the Hotel, the Hotel reserves the right to remove such party from the premises and/or terminate the Contract. In this event, no monies will be refunded to the Client. 12.2 The Client shall pay for the cost of repairing any damage caused to the property, contents or grounds of the Hotel by the Client or its guests. 12.3 The Client shall not (and shall ensure that all guests/delegates and third parties employed do not) use the name, logo or any details of the Hotel for any matter, or permit external food or beverage to be brought into the Hotel without the prior written approval of the Hotel. 12.4 The Client shall not (and shall ensure that all guests/delegates and third parties do not) permit any goods, services or any other matter capable of being sold (including, but not limited to, tickets) to be sold within the Hotel's premises without the prior written approval of the Hotel and any public authority (where necessary). 12.5 If any provision of this Contract is found by any court or administrative body of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the other provisions of this Contract, which shall remain in full force and effect. 12.6 If any provision of this Contract is so found to be invalid or unenforceable but would cease to be invalid or unenforceable if some part of the provision were deleted, the provision in question shall apply with such modification as may be necessary to make it valid and enforceable. 12.7 A person who is not party to this Contract shall have no rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Contract. The clause does not affect any right or remedy of any person which exists or is available otherwise than pursuant to that Act. 12.8 This Contract constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the parties in respect of the matters dealt with in it and supersedes, cancels and nullifies any previous agreement between the parties relating to such matters notwithstanding the terms of any previous agreement or arrangement expressed to survive termination. 12.9 No variation or alteration of any of the Contract shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by or on behalf of each party. 12.10 This Contract shall be governed by English Law and the parties to this Contract submit to the jurisdiction of the English courts.