TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the VenueBurst platform, including the website, applications, and all related services (collectively, the "Platform"). By using the Platform, you agree to comply with these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, you must not access or use the Platform.

VenueBurst acts as a technology intermediary connecting Customers seeking venues for events with Venues providing such services. We do not own, operate, or manage any venues, and are not responsible for the conduct or actions of any Venue or Customer.

2. Role of VenueBurst

VenueBurst provides a digital platform to discover, compare, and book venues. We facilitate communication and booking but do not guarantee availability, quality, or legality of any Venue.

• Customers are solely responsible for evaluating Venues, confirming suitability, and complying with all applicable laws and venue rules.
• Venues are responsible for providing accurate listings, safe premises, lawful operations, and any required permits or insurance.
• Non-Refundable Platform Fees: VenueBurst charges a platform booking fee on transaction handling. This Platform Fee is strictly non-refundable in all circumstances, including venue-initiated cancellations or customer cancellations. If a booking is cancelled within the venue's eligible refund window, the refund processed back to the customer's card will exclude the Platform Fee.
• VenueBurst does not provide insurance, warranties, or guarantees for any bookings or events.

By using the Platform, you acknowledge that VenueBurst is not a party to any contract between Customers and Venues and has no responsibility for service delivery.

3. Account Registration and Responsibilities

To access certain features, including booking and messaging, you must create an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information.
• Maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials.
• Notify VenueBurst immediately of any unauthorised use of your account.
• Be at least 18 years old; minors may not create accounts.

VenueBurst reserves the right to suspend, restrict, or terminate accounts for fraudulent, illegal, or prohibited activity. Accounts may be closed by the user at any time, subject to settlement of outstanding obligations.

4. Bookings and Provisional Holds

When selecting timeslots on the Platform, a provisional 10-minute hold is placed on the slots to allow checkout completion. If checkout and payment authorization are not completed within this 10-minute hold period, the booking hold expires, and the timeslots are immediately released back to public availability. VenueBurst has no liability for slots that become unavailable due to hold expiration.

5. Payments, Fees, and Financial Responsibility

All payments are processed via secure third-party providers. Venue pricing is determined by the Venue and may include deposits, taxes, or additional charges.

• Platform fees are calculated and shown separately at checkout and are non-refundable.
• Failure to complete checkout or pay applicable fees will result in the release of booking holds.
• Customers are responsible for understanding the Venue’s cancellation, refund, and rescheduling policies prior to booking.

VenueBurst is not responsible for processing refunds for Venue fees, deposits, or other charges. Any financial dispute with a Venue must be resolved directly with the Venue.

6. Safeguarding, DBS, and Minor Protection

We host bookings for community venues, schools, and sports spaces. If the Customer's event, activity, or booking involves children, young people, or vulnerable adults, the Customer is strictly responsible for ensuring that:

• Appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures are active.
• All staff, coaches, leaders, or volunteers working with children have adequate and valid Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
• Adequate supervision ratio requirements are maintained throughout the hire period.

VenueBurst and the Venue reserve the right to immediately request proof of DBS status or safeguarding policies, and to cancel any active booking without a refund if compliance is not demonstrated.

7. Venue Rules, Capacity, and Overtime

Customers must strictly adhere to the operational timeslots booked. Access to the venue is only permitted within the booking start and end times. If a Customer exceeds their booked timeslot (overtime), they will be liable for additional hourly fees calculated pro-rata at the venue's template rate. Customers must also comply with the venue's maximum capacity rules, noise restrictions, clean-up policies, and health and safety notices.

8. Cancellations, Refunds, and Force Majeure

Each Venue lists a specific "Refund Period" (e.g. a set number of days prior to the booking date). If a cancellation is requested by the Customer:

• Refundable Period: If the cancellation occurs before the start of the Venue's Refund Period, the customer is eligible for a refund of the venue hire price. The Platform Fee remains non-refundable.
• Non-Refundable Period: Cancellations made inside the Refund Period are non-refundable, and the Venue hire charges will not be refunded.
• Force Majeure: Neither VenueBurst nor the Venue will be liable for cancellations or failure to perform obligations due to events beyond reasonable control, including extreme weather, facility maintenance emergency, utility or power grid failure, government orders, strike, or pandemic. In such cases, the booking may be rescheduled or cancelled in accordance with the Venue's emergency policy.

9. User Conduct and Prohibited Activities

Users must not use the Platform for illegal, fraudulent, or harmful purposes. Prohibited activities include:

• Violating any applicable laws or regulations.
• Interfering with or disrupting the Platform or other users’ access.
• Posting false, misleading, or defamatory content.
• Attempting to access another user’s account or personal information.

Violation may result in account suspension, termination, and legal action.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted under UK law, VenueBurst is not liable for:

• Quality, safety, legality, or availability of any Venue.
• Losses, damages, or disputes between Customers and Venues.
• Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including lost profits or data.
• Errors, technical failures, or interruptions of the Platform.

Use of the Platform is at your own risk. Nothing in these Terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

11. Dispute Resolution

All disputes relating to bookings, services, or cancellations must be resolved directly between Customers and Venues. VenueBurst may provide assistance or facilitate communication at its discretion but has no obligation to resolve disputes.

• All claims must be documented and communicated in writing.
• VenueBurst is not liable for any settlement or failure of a Venue to fulfill obligations.
• Any unresolved legal claims will be subject to the courts of England and Wales.

12. Intellectual Property and Content

All content on the Platform, including software, graphics, logos, and text, is owned by VenueBurst or its licensors. Venues grant VenueBurst a license to display and promote their listings.

• Users may not copy, reproduce, or create derivative works without permission.
• All trademarks, logos, and service marks are protected under UK law.

13. Termination

VenueBurst may suspend or terminate accounts for violations of these Terms or illegal activity. Users may close accounts at any time. Termination does not absolve outstanding obligations, bookings, or fees.

14. Privacy and Data Protection

Your use of the Platform is governed by our Privacy Policy. We collect, store, and process personal data in accordance with applicable UK data protection laws, including the UK GDPR. By using the Platform, you consent to such collection, storage, and processing.

15. Email Use and Communication

By registering an account or providing your email on the VenueBurst Platform, you consent to receiving communications from us, including:

• Transactional emails, such as booking confirmations, receipts, account updates, or password resets.
• Notifications regarding important updates, security alerts, or changes to the Platform.
• Promotional communications, offers, or newsletters, only if you have opted in to receive them.

All emails sent by VenueBurst are intended for legitimate purposes in connection with your use of the Platform. We respect your communication preferences and will not send unsolicited emails outside these purposes.

16. Email Preferences and Anti-Spam Policy

VenueBurst is committed to ensuring that our communications comply with applicable laws, including the UK GDPR and Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

• You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time using the “unsubscribe” link included in each email or via your account settings.
• Transactional emails (e.g., booking confirmations, account notifications) cannot be unsubscribed from, as they are necessary for service delivery.
• VenueBurst does not sell, rent, or share your email address with third parties for unsolicited marketing purposes.
• Any attempt to use the Platform for sending spam, fraudulent, or abusive communications is strictly prohibited and may result in account suspension or termination.

For any questions regarding email communications, preferences, or complaints, please contact: support@venueburst.co.uk

17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of England and Wales.

18. Modifications to Terms

VenueBurst may update these Terms from time to time. Users will be notified of significant changes via the Platform. Continued use constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

19. Contact Information

If you have questions or concerns regarding these Terms, please contact:

Email: support@venueburst.co.uk