The Venue, Stocksbridge – Terms and Conditions of Hire
Operated by STEP Business Enterprise Ltd (SBEL), trading as The Venue, Stocksbridge.

Effective from: November 2025 – This version supersedes all previous hire terms.

 

1. General Conditions

1.1 The Venue reserves the right to:
(a) Cancel a booking at any time without reason. In such cases, The Venue shall not be liable for damages or compensation. Notice will be given wherever possible, although this may be limited in cases of emergency or health and safety concerns.
(b) Cancel the hire if the hirer breaches any health, safety, or fire regulations.
(c) Permit entry to authorised staff or management at any time.
(d) Apply the following cancellation charges:
• More than 21 days’ notice – Full refund.
• 14–21 days’ notice – £75 administration fee.
• Less than 14 days’ notice – 50% of the total hire fee.
(e) Cancel any booking if, in management’s opinion:
- There is a risk of damage or misuse of premises.
- The event may contravene any law or regulation.
- The event may be considered offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate.
- There is a reasonable risk of disorder, nuisance, or reputational harm.

1.2 The hirer shall not assign, transfer, or sublet the premises or any part thereof.

 

1.3 Minimum age of hirer
The hirer must be at least 18 years old and must be present on the premises for the duration of the hire. Where activities involve under-18s, a responsible adult (aged 21+) must supervise throughout.

1.4 Force majeure
The Venue shall not be liable for any failure to perform, or delay in performance, of any obligation where such failure or delay results from events, circumstances or causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to power failure, extreme weather, emergency services incidents, industrial action or national emergencies. In such circumstances The Venue may, at its discretion, cancel or postpone the hire.

2. Responsibilities of The Venue
2.1 The Venue will ensure:
(a) Adequate means of escape in the event of fire or emergency.
(b) Safe heating, lighting, and equipment as agreed in the booking form.
(c) Reasonable cleanliness and maintenance of facilities prior to hire.

3. Responsibilities of the Hirer
3.1 The hirer is responsible for:
(a) Attending a basic health and safety walk-through with staff before the first hire.
(b) Preparing a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) for attendees with disabilities or additional needs.
(c) Collecting keys or access codes as instructed and ensuring premises are secured at the end of hire.
(d) Providing adequate supervision, first aid provision, and ensuring emergency procedures are followed.
(e) Using the premises and equipment safely and responsibly.
(f) Ensuring no gas cylinders, naked flames, incense, or flammable substances are used on site.
(g) Preventing noise nuisance or disturbance to neighbours.
(h) Returning furniture and equipment to the original layout and leaving rooms clean and tidy. Cleaning charges may be applied if not left in suitable condition.
(i) Not attaching items to walls, ceilings, floors, or fixtures with nails, tacks, tape, or adhesives.
(j) Disposing of all litter and belongings before leaving.
(k) Paying all invoices within the time specified on the invoice.

4. Safeguarding and Risk Assessment
4.1 Hirers delivering activities involving children, young people, or vulnerable adults must provide copies of their safeguarding policy and risk assessment prior to hire.
4.2 STEP reserves the right to refuse bookings that do not meet safeguarding
standards.

5. Use of Premises
5.1 Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 09:00–23:30; Sunday – legal closing time.
5.2 Booking time must include setup and clear-down.
5.3 Capacity limits stated on the booking form must not be exceeded. Breach may result in immediate termination without refund.
5.4 Alcohol: Only alcohol purchased from The Venue’s licensed bar may be consumed on the premises. Bringing alcohol onto the premises is prohibited without prior written agreement.
5.5 The event or activity must match that described on the booking form; changes require prior approval.
5.6 No animals are permitted on the premises except for guide or assistance dogs.
5.7 No alterations to electrical systems or fixtures are permitted.

5.9 Parking and neighbours
Parking at the premises is limited and not guaranteed. Access routes and emergency exits must remain clear at all times. The hirer is responsible for ensuring guests depart quietly and do not cause nuisance to neighbouring properties.

5.10 Music and sound levels

The hirer must comply with any PRS/PPL licensing requirements and any sound limits or sound‑limiter settings notified by The Venue. Amplified sound may be reduced or terminated at the duty manager’s discretion where limits are exceeded or complaints are received.
5.11 Advertising and public access
Marketing or publicity for the event must not misrepresent the nature of the event or imply public access where the booking is for a private function. Any changes to the event description require prior written approval.
5.12 Vacating timesAll attendees must vacate the premises quietly within 15 minutes of the booking end time or the end of licensed hours, whichever is earlier. Additional charges may apply for late departure.

6. Access

6.1 Access keys or door codes will be issued prior to hire and will only function during the agreed booking period.
6.2 Lost keys or codes must be reported immediately to the Venue Manager.

7. Health & Safety
7.1 The Venue operates a strict no smoking and no vaping policy throughout the building and within 5 metres of any entrance.
7.2 Hirers must maintain order and take reasonable steps to prevent injury, damage, or loss.
7.3 Sufficient responsible adults or volunteers must be present to ensure safe management of activities.
7.4 The Venue may terminate an event if disorderly, unsafe, or illegal behaviour occurs. Refunds will not be given in such cases.
7.4 Group Sign-In and Headcount Responsibilities
Where a booking involves an organised group, class, or community activity, the designated group leader or organiser must complete the sign-in register upon arrival and ensure all participants are recorded. The same person is responsible for verifying that all participants have safely exited the premises in the event of an evacuation. The Venue will provide a sign-in register or digital record at reception for this purpose. The responsibility for maintaining accurate attendance records and accounting for all participants during emergencies rests solely with the group leader
or organiser.

7.5 Electrical equipment and safety
All electrical equipment brought onto the premises by the hirer or third parties (e.g., bands, DJs, caterers) must be safe. On request, the hirer must

7.6 Under‑18 events and security
For events primarily involving under‑18s or mixed‑age audiences, The Venue may require SIA‑licensed door supervisors and additional controls (e.g., wristbanding, bag checks, segregated bar areas).
7.7 Inflatables and special activities
Inflatables (e.g., bouncy castles) and similar activities require prior written consent.Suppliers must comply with relevant standards and guidance (including BS EN 14960 and HSE guidance) and provide proof of public liability insurance (minimum £5 million). Safe supervision and weather limits are the hirer’s responsibility.provide evidence of inspection by a competent person (e.g., PAT). The Venue may refuse or disconnect unsafe equipment.

8. Catering and Kitchen Use
8.1 Kitchen facilities are available by prior arrangement.
8.2 All surfaces, equipment, and fridges must be left clean and free of food after use.
8.3 All waste must be removed from site after the event.

9. Insurance

9.1 The Venue holds property and public liability insurance for its own operations.
9.2 Hirers organising public, ticketed, or commercial events must hold public liability insurance of at least £2 million and provide evidence prior to hire.
9.3 The Venue’s insurance does not cover the hirer’s property or negligence.

10. Damage
10.1 The hirer is responsible for all damage or loss arising from the hire period.
10.2 The Venue may invoice for repair or replacement costs, payable within seven (7) days of issue.

11. Data Protection (GDPR)
11.1 Personal information provided in connection with bookings will be processed in accordance with STEP Business Enterprise Ltd’s Data Protection Policy and relevant data protection legislation.
11.2 Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
CCTV operates on the premises for safety and security. Images are processed in accordance with the organisation’s Privacy Policy and applicable data protection law.

12. Compliance and Termination
12.1 The Venue reserves the right to terminate any hire immediately if the hirer breaches these terms and conditions, endangers safety, or acts in a manner likely to damage the Venue’s property or reputation.
12.2 These Terms and Conditions are effective from November 2025 and supersede all previous versions.

END