1. Definitions / Scope
Client means the person or organisation who engages The Jiko Pizza Co for catering services.
Event Date means the date on which the catering service is to be provided.
Booking is confirmed when a contract is agreed, a deposit is paid (if required), or when the Client accepts the quote.
This policy applies to all catering bookings (events, functions, parties) arranged by The Jiko Pizza Co.
2. Booking & Deposit
To secure a booking, The Jiko Pizza Co requires a non-refundable deposit of [e.g. 25%] of the total catering fee (or another percentage you deem fair) at the time of confirmation.
The remaining balance is due [e.g. 14 days] before the Event Date (or at another time you decide).
3. Free Cancellation / Change Period
The Client may cancel or make changes to the booking without charge up until [for example, 30 days] before the Event Date.
After that, cancellation or reductions in numbers may incur fees as set out below.
4. Cancellation / Reduction Fees
If the Client cancels or reduces the number of guests after the free cancellation period, the following charges apply:
Notice Period Before Event Date
Cancellation or Reduction Fee
More than 30 days
Deposit is forfeited; no further charge.
Between 30 and 14 days
50% of the full contracted catering fee is payable to The Jiko Pizza Co
Between 14 and 7 days
100% of the full contracted catering fee is payable to The Jiko Pizza Co
Less than 7 days
100% of the full contracted catering fee is payable to the Jiko Pizza Co
“Full contracted catering fee” means the price agreed in the contract for the agreed number of guests, menu, staffing, equipment etc.
5. No-Shows and Last-Minute Changes at the Venue
If on the day of the event, the Client fails to provide accurate guest numbers or fails to cooperate so that services are unusable (no access, unsuitable venue etc.), The Jiko Pizza Co will charge the full contracted amount.
If there are additional requests / changes on the day (menu, staffing etc.), The Jiko Pizza Co will try to accommodate but reserves the right to charge for extra costs incurred (staff overtime, ordering extra supplies etc.).
6. Refunds
Any refunds (of amounts paid beyond deposits or fees) will be made to the original payment method.
Refunds will be processed within [e.g. 14 working days] of cancellation notification and receipt of any required documentation.
7. Force Majeure / Unforeseen Circumstances
In the event that The Jiko Pizza Co is unable to perform its obligations due to circumstances beyond its control (e.g. extreme weather, government restrictions, supply chain failure), either party may cancel the contract without liability beyond returning any amounts already paid (minus costs reasonably incurred).
The Jiko Pizza Co will use reasonable efforts to notify the Client as soon as possible and mitigate losses.
8. How to Cancel or Make Changes
All cancellations or changes must be communicated in writing (email is acceptable).
Verbal communication should be followed up in writing to confirm.
Change requests (e.g. reducing guest numbers, changing menu) after the free cancellation date may be subject to fees as above.
9. Legal & Consumer Rights
Where the contract is for a one-off event on a specific date (which applies in catering), certain consumer law rights (such as the UK “cooling-off period”) may not apply because the service is tied to a specific date. (The Consumer Contracts Regulations provide exemptions for “services to be provided on a specific date or period”.) Citizens Advice+2LegalVision UK+2
Cancellation terms and fees must be fair, reasonable, transparent, and clearly communicated up front (prior to booking) to comply with the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and related regulation. Sprintlaw UK+2GOV.UK+2