AFTER the Three Lions suffered a World Cup last night, millions of Brits are now facing a far quieter Sunday than planned.
But for fans who rushed to book a pub table for the final, many may be wondering whether they can cancel their booking without a fee.
England’s dream of reaching the World Cup final ended abruptly yesterday, after a shock defeat against Argentina.
As Brits filled up pub gardens and watch party venues throughout the tournament, many have already booked a space for the final.
However, do pubs have the right to slam footie fans with a cancellation fee for the final, even after England didn’t go through?
In simple terms, the answer is yes – pubs can legally enforce cancellation fees and retain deposits, even after England’s elimination.
Under UK consumer law, a pub is legally entitled to hold you to your reservation, as long as the terms were made clear in advance – such as cancellation policy saying fees apply if England don’t make the final.
The Government website reads: “If you cancel the contract, the business is generally only entitled to keep or receive an amount sufficient to cover their actual losses that directly result from your cancellation.”
Venues are also required to take reasonable steps to mitigate the losses from a cancelled booking, such as re-booking the table or selling the seats.
If this is the case, pubs cannot charge you as well for the spots that were given up, and no fee will be applied.
Some popular viewing spots have prepared for the inevitable, adding a clause to their policy to offer money back for cancellations.
BrewDog offered fans a full refund on their booking if England didn’t make it to the final – including its sprawling 1,800 capacity venue in Waterloo.
Meanwhile, Greene King charged punters a £5 per person deposit to secure a spot throughout the tournament, and anyone cancelling with less than 72 hours’ notice would have their money forfeited.
BOXPARK, the go-to venue for England fans, also enforced a strict no-refund polocy for event tickets and bookings throughout the World Cup, unless the venue was contacted 48 hours before the event.
It is uncertain whether this policy will still stand, however, as BOXPARK venues generally operate as England-fan-only watch parties.
Ultimately, being disappointed about England’s loss is not a legal loophole to avoid booking cancellation fees, but it is worth contacting the venue itself as all policies differ.
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