Operated by STEP Business Enterprise Ltd (SBEL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of STEP Charity

These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings and use of The STEP Venue (“the Venue”). By confirming a booking, the hirer (“the Hirer”) agrees to be bound by these Terms.

1. General Conditions
1.1 The Venue reserves the right to:

* (a) Cancel a booking where reasonably necessary, including where safety, legality, or reputation may be compromised.
* (b) Terminate a hire immediately where these Terms are breached, without liability for compensation.
* (c) Enter the premises at any time during hire for management, safety, or statutory purposes.

1.2 Cancellation by the Hirer is subject to the Venue’s published cancellation policy and any agreed booking terms.

1.3 The Hirer must be aged 18 or over and remain present throughout the hire period. Activities involving under-18s must be supervised by responsible adults aged 21 or over.

1.4 The Hirer may not assign, sub-let, or transfer the booking or use of the premises without prior written consent.

1.5 The Venue is not liable for failure to perform its obligations where this arises from events beyond its reasonable control (force majeure).

2. Responsibilities of the Venue

2.1 The Venue will, so far as reasonably practicable:

• (a) Provide premises that comply with applicable health, safety, fire, and building regulations.

• (b) Maintain means of escape, fire detection systems, and emergency signage.

• (c) Ensure the premises are reasonably clean, safe, and fit for the agreed use at the start of the hire period.

2.2 The Venue retains overall control of the premises and building systems at all times.

3. Responsibilities of the Hirer

3.1 The Hirer is responsible for:

• (a) Conducting their activity safely and lawfully.

• (b) Ensuring sufficient supervision for all attendees.

• (c) Complying with all instructions given by Venue staff.

• (d) Leaving the premises clean, tidy, and in the condition found.

• (e) Preventing nuisance, disorder, or disturbance to neighbours.

• (f) Paying all fees and charges in accordance with agreed terms.

3.2 The Hirer must not:

• Use naked flames, flammable substances, gas cylinders, incense, or similar hazards.

• Alter, interfere with, or overload electrical systems or fixed installations.

• Fix items to walls, ceilings, or fixtures without permission.

4. Health & Safety Compliance

4.1 The Venue and the Hirer acknowledge their shared responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

4.2 The Venue is responsible for the general safety of the premises.

4.3 The Hirer is responsible for the safety of their event, activities, contractors, and attendees.

4.4 The Hirer must:

• (a) Comply with the Venue’s health & safety policies.

• (b) Follow all emergency and evacuation instructions.

• (c) Brief attendees on emergency procedures where appropriate.

4.5 The Venue may stop or terminate any activity that presents a safety risk.

5. Fire Safety

5.1 The Venue maintains a fire risk assessment for the premises.

5.2 The Hirer must:

• (a) Acknowledge and comply with the Venue’s fire safety arrangements.

• (b) Keep fire exits, routes, and doors clear at all times.

• (c) Ensure attendees evacuate promptly if required.

5.3 Fire doors must not be wedged open and fire equipment must not be interfered with.

6. Safeguarding

6.1 Where activities involve children, young people, or vulnerable adults, the Hirer must:

• (a) Have appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures in place.

• (b) Provide a suitable risk assessment on request.

6.2 The Venue reserves the right to refuse or cancel bookings that do not meet safeguarding expectations.

7. Use of the Premises

7.1 The premises may only be used for the purpose described in the booking agreement.

7.2 Hire times include set-up and clear-down.

7.3 Maximum room capacities must not be exceeded.

7.4 Animals are not permitted, except registered assistance dogs.

7.5 Parking is limited, not guaranteed, and emergency access routes must be kept clear at all times.

7.6 The Hirer must ensure all attendees leave quietly and promptly at the end of the hire.

8. Licensed Activities

8.1 The Venue operates under a Premises Licence.

8.2 Only alcohol purchased from the Venue’s licensed bar may be consumed on the premises, unless expressly agreed in writing.

8.3 The Hirer must comply with all licensing conditions, including those relating to:

• Alcohol

• Regulated entertainment

• Noise control

• Age verification

8.4 Breach of licensing requirements may result in immediate termination of hire without refund.

9. Security and Event Management

9.1 The Venue may require additional controls for certain events, including:

• Stewards or security staff

• Sign-in or headcount procedures

• Restricted access areas

9.2 The Hirer must cooperate with any reasonable security or safety measures required to comply with current or future legal duties relating to public protection.

10. Electrical Equipment and Special Activities

10.1 All electrical equipment brought onto the premises must be safe and suitable for use.

10.2 The Venue may require evidence of inspection or refuse unsafe equipment.

10.3 Inflatables, staging, amplified sound, or specialist activities require prior written approval.

11. Catering and Kitchen Use

11.1 Kitchen use is by prior agreement only.

11.2 The Hirer must ensure compliance with food hygiene requirements where food is prepared or served.

11.3 All catering areas must be cleaned and left in a hygienic condition.

12. Insurance and Liability

12.1 The Venue maintains appropriate insurance for its own operations.

12.2 Where the Hirer is organising a public, ticketed, commercial, or higher-risk event, the Hirer must hold appropriate public liability insurance.

12.3 The Hirer is responsible for loss, damage, or injury arising from their use of the premises, except where caused by the Venue’s negligence.

13. Damage and Loss

13.1 The Hirer is responsible for any damage to the premises, fixtures, or equipment during the hire period.

13.2 The Venue reserves the right to recover reasonable repair or replacement costs.

14. Equality, Inclusion and Accessibility

14.1 The Venue is committed to compliance with the Equality Act 2010.

14.2 The Hirer must:

• (a) Not discriminate against any person on the basis of a protected characteristic.

• (b) Cooperate with reasonable adjustments required to support accessibility.

15. Data Protection and CCTV

15.1 Personal data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

15.2 The Hirer must ensure lawful handling of any personal data collected as part of their event.

15.3 CCTV operates on the premises for safety and security purposes in accordance with the Venue’s privacy notice.

16. Termination and Breach

16.1 The Venue may terminate a hire immediately where these Terms are breached or where safety, legality, or order is compromised.

16.2 No refund will be due where termination results from the Hirer’s breach.

17. Governing Law

17.1 These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

18. Acceptance

18.1 These Terms supersede all previous versions and apply to all bookings unless expressly varied in writing.

Compliance Statement

As at December 2025  these terms and conditions are compliant with:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

• Licensing Act 2003

• Equality Act 2010

• UK GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018

• General duties for public and community venues

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