Terms & Conditions

1. Event and Party Hire
2. Catering
3. Payment terms
4. Customer’s responsibilities
5. Definitions

1) Event and Party Hire Terms and Conditions

These conditions apply to all services offered by Crown Catering and Events to each Customer unless the Customer is otherwise notified in writing. No variation or cancellation of any of these Conditions of Hire will be binding on Crown Catering and Events unless agreed to by a responsible officer of Crown Catering and Events in writing. Unless otherwise stated in writing, Crown Catering and Events’ quotation will be valid for a period of up to ten days from date of issue, after which time acceptance of any order placed is subject to written confirmation. Acceptance of the quotation is subject to written confirmation, payment of deposit and Crown Catering and Events’ Terms & Conditions of Service signed by an authorised person on behalf of the Customer. On payment of deposit or commencement of service without the Customer's written confirmation to such action it shall be deemed that the Customer agrees to and accepts these Terms and Conditions of Service.

Use of equipment
All Equipment supplied on hire is the property of Crown Catering and Events and remains so until it is returned to Crown Catering and Events. The Customer will be responsible for the Equipment until it is returned to Crown Catering and Events, and shall maintain the Equipment in good condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted. The Customer warrants that the Equipment will be returned in good working order to Crown Catering and Events. Crown Catering and Events makes no representation as to the suitability of the Equipment for a particular need or event, and it is the Customer's responsibility to make that judgment on its own behalf.

Alterations or adjustments to marquees
The customer shall instruct our staff clearly as to the requirements for walls and marquee layout. All alterations to the marquee are to be made by Crown Catering and Events. Any alterations to the marquee by unauthorised individuals may render the marquee unsafe. If any alterations are made by anyone apart from authorised representatives of Crown Catering and Events, the customer assumes all risk and Crown Catering and Events is not liable for any damages to persons or property. Also, any damage to the marquee is fully payable by the customer.

Equipment specification changes
If after commencement of hire from Crown Catering and Events, any specification changes are requested, the cost of such changes will be borne by the Customer.

Extended hire
The Customer must return all Equipment when it is due back. A continuing hire fee for all Equipment not returned to Crown Catering and Events when it is due back will be charged to the Customer, at the standard weekly rate of hire, until the Equipment has been returned to Crown Catering and Events. The Customer shall give appropriate notice in writing to Crown Catering and Events if any extension or termination of the hire is requested. No refunds will be issued for the early return of Equipment on extended hire.

Delivery
Crown Catering and Events makes no representation that Equipment will be available to meet every order. Availability of Equipment to meet each order is subject to the timing of that order. Every endeavor will be made to complete delivery within the period stated but no liability can be accepted in regard thereto. Unless otherwise stated Crown Catering and Events will not accept cancellation of an order due to late delivery, nor shall it be liable for consequential damages of any kind arising out of late delivery or non-delivery. Where it has been agreed between Crown Catering and Events and the Customer that Equipment is to be delivered to an address specified by the Customer the same shall be available to be picked up at the specified date arranged at that address on the last day of the hire period. Where the Customer has taken delivery at the premises of Crown Catering and Events all Equipment hired shall be returned to those premises by the time arranged on the last day of the hire period. In the event that the Equipment is not available to be picked up by the arranged time on the last day of hire or has not been returned to the premises of Crown Catering and Events by close of business on the last day of hire, then Crown Catering and Events must be notified immediately.

Delivery and set up charges

Flat Rate Delivery
We service Sydney, The Blue Mountains, Wollongong and The Central Coast. We charge $59 for delivery and basic set up for any function within a 60km radius of the Sydney central business district.  If your venue is outside the 60km radius you will be charged $89 for delivery and basic set up to a radius of within 120km of the Sydney CBD.

Delivery and basic setup conditions
Includes delivery and basic setup of pop-up marquees (Mastertent). Chairs and tables stacked, lights are installed if required. Price is for delivery between 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday at our discretion. Specific timing requests for delivery/pick up during these hours will incur an extra charge of $20 per trip. Additional charge will apply for delivery or pick up outside these hours including weekends. Venue must have standard level access of 20 metres to the delivery point from the delivery vehicle.  Charges will apply for difficult access eg more than 10 stairs.

Full setup of equipment
Includes delivery, set up of marquee, installation of lights and electrical cables, tables and chairs set up.
Full set up costs $1.00 per guest (minimum charge $50) plus “delivery and basic set up” fee.

Decoration and table setting service (on the day of event)
Includes full set up of all equipment, setting all tables, chairs and erecting all decorations that have been purchased from our party shop. $4.90 per guest. Min charge $300.00.

Weekend or out of hours delivery
Weekend delivery will be charged at $40 per trip plus standard “delivery and basic set up fee”.

Difficult access and waiting charges
Quoted charges are for the delivery suburb and for standard level access of 20 metres to the delivery point from the delivery vehicle. Crown Catering and Events reserves the right to charge the customer extra for difficult access which has not been advised, quoted or known of until onsite. Difficult access is defined as time consuming factors such as long carry, many stairs, obstructions, uneven ground, narrow passage etc. Waiting time is also chargeable. These extra charges will be at the rate of $35 per man hour (inc GST) and are based on the extra time spent in completing the delivery/pick up process. These extra charges will be payable by the customer by credit card or in cash before equipment is unloaded.

Structured Marquees for Events
Delivery and set up fees are dependent on a large number of factors including the size of marquees, dance floors, decoration requirements and are subject to site inspection and quote.

Delivery dockets
Crown Catering and Events’ Delivery Dockets shall be conclusive evidence of the quantity and identity of the Equipment delivered and as to the date of delivery. The Customer shall be responsible at their own cost for providing a representative to check the quantity and identity of Equipment delivered and to sign Crown Catering and Events Delivery Docket. The Customer acknowledges and agrees that Crown Catering and Events shall be able to deliver the Equipment whether or not a representative of the Customer is present at the time of delivery.

Site approval (when Crown Catering and Events does not organise and pay for venue)
The Customer shall be responsible for giving any local or other authorities any necessary notice of their intention to erect the Equipment or to have Equipment erected and shall pay all fees in connection therewith. The Customer shall solely be responsible to ensure that the site is cleared and ready for the erection of the Equipment and that the foundations upon which the Equipment is to be erected are sufficiently firm and otherwise suitable to safely carry the Equipment and the load to be put on it without subsidence. In the event that Crown Catering and Events incurs or suffers any loss, costs or damages as a consequence of the Customer's failure to carry out its obligations under these terms the Customer shall be solely responsible and shall indemnify Crown Catering and Events for any such loss, costs or damages.

Misuse of equipment
Crown Catering and Events shall not be liable for any loss or damages arising out of the overloading, exceeding rated capacity, misuse, or abuse of the Equipment by the Customer and the Customer agrees to keep Crown Catering and Events indemnified in respect thereof.

Security
The Customer is responsible for the security of the Equipment until such time as it is returned to or collected by Crown Catering and Events. In the event of the Equipment being stolen from the job site, the hirer shall notify Crown Catering and Events in writing stating the full circumstances of the theft and the time the police were notified. Until Crown Catering and Events receives such notification, the hiring charges will continue. The Customer shall also indemnify Crown Catering and Events for any such loss of the Equipment at the current replacement cost of the Equipment, and must pay that cost to Crown Catering and Events on demand. The Customer must ensure that there is provided lighting, water proofing, safe power supply, public protection, covering of power lines and such facilities as might be considered necessary for the requirement of Authorities or in the interests of safety.

Access to site
The Customer shall ensure that suitable access to and egress from the site is adequate to suit the mode of delivery or pick up.

Insurance
Any insurance policies undertaken are the sole responsibility of the Customer. The Customer bears all risk in relation to the Equipment and its use until the Equipment is safely returned to Crown Catering and Events in good condition.

Losses and damages
Crown Catering and Events must be notified immediately of any Equipment lost or damaged during the hire period. The Customer indemnifies Crown Catering and Events in respect of all such loss. The Customer must pay on demand to Crown Catering and Events the following amounts;
1. If the Equipment is lost, the Customer must pay to Crown Catering and Events the current replacement cost of the Equipment;
2. If the Equipment is damaged, the Customer must pay for all repairs;
3. If no notice is given to Crown Catering and Events of a lost item it shall be deemed as extended hire until such item is returned, and hire fees will continue until notice is given or the Equipment is found.

Damage Waiver
The hirer shall be charged a damage wavier to cover accidental damage and general wear and tear to all hire item glassware, as well as damages to all linen. All broken and damaged equipment must be returned to Crown Catering and Events otherwise charged full amount of the purchase price.
The damage waiver does not apply to or cover any other damage to or loss of Equipment including, without limitation:
1) Damage resulting from overloading, exceeding rated capacity, misuse, abuse or improper servicing of Equipment;
2) Damage or loss due to disappearance of the Equipment;
3) Damage caused by the use or operation of Equipment in contravention to any of these Terms;
4) Damage to, or, loss of, the Equipment from any unknown cause.

No liability for indirect or consequential loss
Crown Catering and Events shall not in any event be liable for contingent, consequential, indirect, special, and punitive or any other similar damages, howsoever caused, for any damage, injury or loss, whether arising under breach of contract, negligence (commission, omission or advice), and strict liability or otherwise. All warranties by Crown Catering and Events to the Customer are excluded, to the full extent permitted by law. The liability of Crown Catering and Events resulting from a breach of any warranty unable to be excluded by law is strictly limited to the re-supply of the Equipment to the Customer or the repair of the Equipment supplied to the Customer. It is agreed by the customer that Crown Catering and Events shall not accept any consequential costs or damages arising from the failure, delay, bad weather or malfunction of any equipment of Crown Catering and Events, hired by the customer. The customer shall take precautions to ensure alternative arrangements are made in such a situation. Whilst the installation of marquees by Crown Catering and Events are conducted by skilled and trained staff and can absorb a fair amount of poor weather, periods of exceptional weather may cause some marquees to become loose and possibly unstable. The customer shall in these extreme situations vacate the marquee if they believe it to be unsafe. Cost of the hire in these circumstances shall be born by the customer.

Safety
Crown Catering and Events adheres to the law of the relevant Occupational Health and Safety Acts of A.C.T. & N.S.W. The Customer is to ensure adequate safety measures are adopted when necessary. The Customer will make any inspections to ensure that there are no breaches of safety requirements at the site whether imposed by authority or otherwise; and that all works are performed according to relevant safety codes, standards and manufacturer's specifications; and that there are no alterations or modifications to any Equipment made by any person other than an employee of Crown Catering and Events.

Children and Safety. It is the customer’s responsibility to keep children away from any hot or potentially dangerous equipment. Crown Catering and Events can not take any responsibility for any damage to property or persons as a result of disorderly conduct or out of control children.  An adult must supervise all children using, or in the vicinity of any equipment at all times.

Electrical damage
Any damage to the Equipment caused by fusion or malfunction of electrical equipment is the Customer's liability and the Customer must take adequate precautions. The Customer will be charged for any repairs required to the damaged equipment.

Cleaning
All goods are to be returned in a clean and reasonable condition, otherwise a cleaning charge of $35 per man hour will apply (min charge $35).

Pricing
Price Guarantee
We will beat any written quote for like items and services for Sydney metro area only.
Prices subject to change at Crown Catering and Events’ discretion.

Use of Individual Hire Items
It is a condition of hire that the customer follows all the following precautions and uses all equipment in a safe and responsible manner:

• Balloon kits. The calculation of balloon quantity for each cylinder is based on a maximum diameter of each balloon of 28cm. Waste or over inflation will cause the quantity of balloons to be less than stated. Balloons stay inflated for 8-10 hours. Do not fill balloons too long in advance of event. Balloon gas is non-toxic and non-flammable however do not inhale the gas as it may cause brain damage or death. Cylinders contain gas under high pressure and are potentially dangerous if handled roughly. Never use cylinder without the “balloon filling nozzle”. Do not transport the cylinder with the nozzle attached. Ensure the cylinder is firmly secured and is well ventilated during transport and storage. Close the cylinder valve when not in use.
• Chairs. All chairs have been designed for use as a chair only. It should be used with the weight of one person distributed over all four legs. Do not stand on the chair or use on slippery surfaces. Children must be supervised at all times.
• Tables. Do not stand on tables. Ensure all legs are locked in place when assembling tables. Ensure tables are placed on an even and stable surface. Do not store tables in unstable stacks.
• China. Glassware and Cutlery. Ensure all china and glassware is undamaged before use. Notify Crown Catering and Events of any damages upon delivery.
• Mushroom heaters. The mushroom heater is intended for heating outdoor spaces on a flat and stable surface. Adequate clearance around air openings into the combustion chamber, clearance from combustible materials, provision for accessibility and for combustion and ventilating air supply must be maintained at all times. Minimum clearance from the heater to nearby surfaces is 100cm. Children and adults should be alert to the high surface temperature of areas above the post when operating the heater. Never hang anything on the heater. Do not operate the heater unless it is fully assembled with the reflector in place. Do not spray aerosols in the vicinity of gas heaters whilst in operation.
• Blow Heaters (space heaters) The space heater is not intended for internal, domestic use and should be used in well ventilated areas. Read the instructions on the unit and become familiar with the stop/start procedures. Do not restrict the inlet or outlet of the airflow to the heather. Do not obstruct heater air flow. Do not expose to water. The fan in the heater must be turned on for the entire use of the heater. Leave the fan running for 5 minutes after the heater has been turned off. Always turn the gas cylinder off when not in use or in an emergency.
• Flooring. Flooring should be kept well maintained and dry for the hire period and the customer should ensure adequate lighting to the dance area to provide safe egress and access. Careful inspection of the floor prior to and during use is important to ensure no hazardous conditions exist. The customer should keep the floor clean at all times. The use of dance floor powders should be avoided as they may affect the surface friction and create a hazardous condition.
• Cooking and Heating appliances. The customer shall ensure that all equipment being used is safe guarded against accidental contact by other persons and kept a minimum distance of 1.5 metres from any combustible material. Ensure gas appliances are used in a well ventilated area. All power leads shall be kept off the floor.
• Floor coverings. The customer shall ensure all floor coverings are laid on flat, even surfaces and do not contain trip hazards for people using the equipment.
• Lighting. All lighting must be kept dry and at sufficient height to avoid contact with users.
   

2) Catering Terms and Conditions

Chef/Food on time
Although we allow an extra half hour to get to every function to cover small incidents that occur from time to time on the way to a function, Crown Catering and Events can not be held responsible if major incidents prevent us from arriving on time (eg accident on major road). Crown Catering and Events and the chef on the day will communicate with customer as long as accurate on-the-day contact information is provided by customer.

The right to substitute food
Crown Catering and Events will and has only ever delivered the very highest quality of food. If for any reason food being prepared for you is not of this quality (eg we discover during the cooking process that the quality of beef from our supplier is not of the usual highest standard) we reserve the right to substitute. All food is prepared fresh for every function. This is the only way we can guarantee outstanding quality every single time.

Rubbish removal and clean up
Rubbish will be collected and left onsite unless Crown Catering and Events has been instructed otherwise. It is the customer’s responsibility to check all appliances before chef leaves and to communicate with chef any special requests before he or she leaves your function.

Guarantee of minimum portion size
If Crown Catering and Events does not deliver what has been promised with regards to quantity or quality of food, we will refund the customer 100% of all food costs for the function, even if only one person has missed out on food. Staff fees, beverages, outside services and equipment hire will not be refunded. Guarantee only applies when customer has fully paid for function and hired the recommended number of chefs and wait staff to help serve and prepare the food. The only way we can guarantee plenty of food, and that customers will not run out of food at their function, is by stating exactly what we will provide as an absolute minimum (outlined below). It is the customer’s responsibility to let us know (in writing with at least 24 hours notice) if they don’t think this will be enough food for their guests. Our excellent record and good name is at stake in regards to having enough food. It is the customer’s responsibility to be satisfied that the minimum amount of food that Crown Catering and Events will provide is enough for all of his or her guests.

Minimum portion sizes that will be supplied by Crown Catering and Events:
Roast Meats (Min.300 grams, fresh weight, no bone and fat trimmed)
Salads (Min. 250 grams excluding any dressings)
Bread rolls (one per guest plus an extra 10)
Roast potato (one per guest plus an extra 10)
Other food type and condiment quantities available upon request.

Factors that will void our 100% guarantee

• Extra guests turn up at function and/or guests arrive at function after buffet has been served.
• Guests come back for seconds or thirds before everyone has eaten. The customer is responsible for controlling and monitoring the order that guests are served at the buffet.
• Late arriving guests or buffet is delayed for any reason by customer.
• Do-it-yourself and Hot Box Delivery. Crown Catering and Events goes to extraordinary lengths to make sure your food is well presented and accounted for. It is the customer’s responsibility to check that all food is present when we have been asked to deliver food or when customers wish to cook it themselves. No claims after food has been delivered.
• Customer must inform chef of any problems or concerns during the function to give the chef an opportunity to fix the problem and/or explain the circumstances. Chefs are trained to pace the service of the food.
• Customer has hired less that the recommended number of Crown Catering and Events staff to serve food. (See staff number recommendations below)

Recommended number of staff

Leftovers
If fewer than expected guests turn up the chef has been trained to increase portion size to avoid waste. Meats are sliced into thicker portions and we encourage everyone to eat more however any left over food is yours to keep. It is the customer’s responsibility to advise the chef if you do not want portion sizes increased. The customer must supply containers for leftovers before food service ends. Once the food is placed in the containers it is no longer the responsibility of Crown Catering and Events.

Nut allergies
Our food may contain nuts and Crown Catering and Events never guarantees that food is nut free.  No employee has the right to make any guarantees to the contrary.

Children and Safety
It is the customer’s responsibility to keep children away from any hot or potentially dangerous equipment, including chef equipment. Crown Catering and Events can not take any responsibility for any damage to property or persons as a result of disorderly conduct or out of control children.

Chef and Staff Fees

3) Payment Terms

a) Functions and Party Hire less than $3,000

Securing your booking
Upon booking your function, a deposit is payable within 10 days and will secure your staff, any equipment and date of function. The minimum deposit payable is $100. Crown Catering and Events reserves the right to redeploy staff and rehire equipment on this date if the deposit has not been paid after 10 days. Crown Catering and Events defines “fully paid” as cleared funds in our bank account.
Any venue hire fees (including deposits and bonds) must also be paid before they are booked by Crown Catering and Events. Crown Catering and Events will not be responsible for securing any venues until all venue hire fees have been paid.

Postponing or canceling your function
Any postponement or cancellation must be advised in writing by the customer.

b) Events and Weddings Valued at Over $3,000

Events

• A deposit of 20% is payable to confirm the booking. This deposit is refundable up until 6 weeks (42 days) prior to the event however an administration fee of $250 will be deducted. Upon booking your event, your Service Agreement must be signed by an authorised representative, returned and deposit paid within 10 business days to secure staff, equipment and date of function.
• The final balance is payable two weeks (14 days) prior to the event.  After this time, no decrease in numbers or equipment orders will be permitted.
  Numbers can be increased up until 3 days prior to the event depending on availability.

Weddings

• A $500 deposit is required to confirm the booking. Upon booking your wedding, your Service Agreement must be signed, returned and deposit paid within 10 business days to secure staff, equipment and date of function.
• 30% of the invoice is payable 6 weeks (42 days) prior to the wedding.
• The balance of the outstanding invoice is payable two weeks (14 days) prior to the wedding. After this time, no decrease in numbers or equipment orders will be permitted. Numbers can be increased up until 3 days prior to the wedding.

Postponing or Canceling your Event or Wedding
Any postponement or cancellation must be advised in writing by the customer.

Contracted suppliers include but are not limited to:

• Venue hire (including tall ship)
• Entertainment (including juke box, jumping castle, musicians)
• Toilet facilities
• Drinks machines
• Decoration services eg theming, flowers, ice sculptures and specialist lighting
• Custom designed cakes
• Crowd control including fencing and security guards
• Special requests sourced from specialist suppliers
• Guest transportation (eg boats, buses, taxis and water taxis)

4) Customer’s Responsibilities
The customer is fully responsible for the behaviour of the guests at the function and as they leave the function.
Any damage or loss of equipment caused by guests to the venue will be invoiced to the customer.
 “Responsible Service of Alcohol Policy” that will be supported during the course of the event. If behaviour falls outside the guidelines of this policy then the event manager, head chef or head bar person may:

• Negotiate with the customer to agree on some other course of action to resolve the problem.
• Terminate alcohol service
• Terminate event
• Summons the Police to remove offending guests

Any costs associated with the early termination of the event due to behaviour endangering persons or property will be at the cost of the customer.

5) Definitions
For the purposes of these terms and conditions “Crown Catering and Events” can be substituted for the following trading names: