suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

So we have decided that we will be having a destination wedding most likely in January!!! YAH!!

SO FH just called East Wind to cancel our date adn was told that they can not refund our deposit minus the 100 dolalrs until they re-book it. FH quoted The suffolk county catering law section 237-3 to them
http://gcp.esub.net/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=141566&infobase=suffolk.nfo&softpage=Browse_Frame_Pg42

they stated that there contract out weights that law.

does anyone know if this is the case adn has anyone had any experience regarding cacelling? thanks!

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

I think it's possible because you did sign a contract with those terms in place. I am probably wrong. what you could do is write the attorney general

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

it's not a state law it is a county law
i'm going to contact suffolk county consumer affairs monday as well as suffolk couty executives office

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

The law supercedes contracts, they are incorrect. The contract wouldn't be enforced if it's illegal. Threaten them with a lawyer and that you will sue them for the legal fees necessary to collect the money that you're entitled to, hopefully they will just cut you a check. Make sure to communicate in writing with return receipts and all that.

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

I remember about a year or so ago my friend booked Thatched Cottage then changed her mind to the Woodbury Country Club and Thatched Cottage didn't give her Mom back her deposit.

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

I just cancelled my wedding 2011 wedding a couple of monts ago. We were booked at one the Lessing's locations. They initially told us they couldn't refund the money, but as soon as we brough up the law, it was totally different. We got every penny back. They have to refund your money.

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

I cancelled my first engagment.... they wouldnt give us anything back or even tell us how much money we would get back until the date passed

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

maybe you can transfer your deposit to another bride that can book the same date? Is that even possible?

I would try asking and then maybe you can find someone on this site to transfer it to!

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

Whats the point of a deposit then? a place holds a date...turns down other customers ....and then people decide they changed their minds and want the deposit back. They should keep the deposit unless you or they find a replacement party for that date. If it was the other way around and the place said sorry we are taking some other people in for that day..the party would go nuts. If you cancel you should pay ...its only right. I think if the places gave people money back the biz would be a complete mess . Dont book if you are not sure. They could also use this in court it it ever went that far....so i wouldn't post thats the reason you are wanting to cancel.

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

I think you need to look at the whole law before you get too excited about what they said to you. the law also covers 'prompt refunds' which states that the caterer has a certain amount of time to refund the consumer their money. According to the law, they have up until 30 days AFTER the RE-BOOK the date. What they told you is completely legit and is covered under that law. They will probably give you your money back but you will have to wait until they re-book. Just be sweet about everything and they will probably be more prompt with cutting the check when they re-book, you don't want them to drag their feet with that when the time comes.

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

No matter what, they need to give you your money back - no rebooking necessary as long as you are more than six months away. This is absolutely true. The Suffolk County law trumps the contract.

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

me and my x paid 3500 total and after the date we were only offered 1000 bc the wedding that was booked wasnt as big as ours

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

I ended up cancelling my first engagement at a wedding hall in suffolk, I wont mention the name. I eventually got my inital $1000 deposit back, minus $250 for a cancellation fee...this was after I told them that I was getting my lawyer involved...it was a total disaster, they were actually going to give my ex half of the money back even though the payment was made on my credit card because he signed the contract too! if you want any additional information, FM me because I don't want to put it up here..

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

if i were you, i would just bring my contract to an attorney and have them give you advice.

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

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Posted by DWKSwed

The law supercedes contracts, they are incorrect. The contract wouldn't be enforced if it's illegal. Threaten them with a lawyer and that you will sue them for the legal fees necessary to collect the money that you're entitled to, hopefully they will just cut you a check. Make sure to communicate in writing with return receipts and all that.

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That is exactly what I was going to say!

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

would any one happen to have a copy of a letter I could send them?
we only put a 1100 deposit down but i would like to get my 1000 back!

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

hey i found this link from an old post. HTH http://www.liweddings.com/chat/topic.aspx?ID=312778&Highlight=cancellation

Re: suffolk county law re: cancelling reception

bumping