BOLTON-LE-SANDS VILLAGE HALL / Community Centre
Registered Charity 700264
Click here to download 2023 Conditions of Hire
Click here to download Safeguarding Policy
Click here to download Equality and Diversity Policy
Click here to view online Booking Calendar
Advance bookings give an indication of availability and are not confirmed until the month begins
Hiring Agreement Terms and Conditions
REVISED OCTOBER 2023
PARTIES
(1) The Community Centre named in clause 2.2 acting by its Management Committee.
(2) The person or organisation named in the Enquiry Booking Form
AGREED as follows:
1. Throughout this Agreement:
• the Community Centre named in clause 2.1 is referred to as “we”; “our” is to be construed
accordingly and “we” and “us” mean and include the Community Centre’s charity trustees, employees, volunteers, agents and invitees
• the person or organisation named in the booking form is referred to as “you”; and “your” is to
be construed accordingly; “you” also includes the members of your management committee (if
appropriate), your employees, volunteers, agents and invitees.
• where you must seek our consent, tell us about something or give us something, you must speak to and seek consent from the Centre Booking Secretary, or, if the Centre Booking Secretary is not available, the Centre Secretary.
2. In consideration of the hire fee described in Hire of Centre Enquiry Booking form we agree to
permit you to use the premises described for the purpose described for the period(s) described .
This Agreement includes these terms and conditions and the Special Conditions of Hire set out in
the attached Schedule. “One Off” bookings are secured on receipt of total hire plus deposits at the time the booking is confirmed.
(a) Registered Charity No 700264 (b) Authorised Representatives S.Robinson and T.I.Birnie
c/o Community Centre, Packet Lane, Bolton le Sands Carnforth LA5 8DW 07367066918
Email: blesbookings@gmail.com
2.3 Hirer: As described on the Booking Enquiry Form We will refund the deposit within 28 days of
the termination of the period of hire provided that full cleaning and security (as required) has
been undertaken, no damage or loss has been caused to the premises and/or contents, nor complaints made to us about noise or other disturbance during the period of the hiring as a result of the hiring. YOU MUST ENSURE THE BUILDING IS SECURED AND LIGHTS AND APPLIANCES ARE TURNED OFF.FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN YOUR DEPOSIT BEING FORFEITED.
2.4 Optional additional condition for use with commercial hirers:
“The Community Centre is held on strict trusts which require the management committee to ensure that the centre is administered in accordance with those trusts. Accordingly we are
bound to preserve and hereby reserve the right to terminate this Agreement by not less than seven days’ notice in writing to you in the event of the centre being required on the same
date/time for the fulfilment of its charitable purposes.
In the event of such termination by us, we will refund to you all monies paid by you to us. We
will not, however, be liable to make any further payment to you in respect of expenses,
costs or losses incurred directly or indirectly by you in relation to any such termination.”
2.5 Premises as described on the Enquiry Booking Form.
2.6 Purpose/description of hiring: as described on the Enquiry Booking Form.
3. You agree not to exceed the maximum permitted number of people per room including the
organisers/performers (subject to Gov guidelines and licence) (Maximum 100).
4. The centre has a licence; with the Performing Right Society (PRS) for the performance of copyright music from Phonographic Performance Licence (PPL).
4.1 We have a Premises Licence authorising regulated entertainment only. You hereby
acknowledge receipt of a copy of the conditions of the Premises Licence and/or Operating
Schedule for the premises, in accordance with which the hiring must be undertaken, and
agree to apply with all obligations therein.(Displayed on centre noticeboard).
(i) You agree that if regulated entertainment, not covered by our Premises Licence, is to be held
you must obtain our consent to give notice of a Temporary Events Notice(TEN) ** to the
licensing authority. We will advise if a TEN is not needed.
(ii) You agree to give us notice of your intention to provide alcohol at the event and to give notice
of a TEN to the licensing authority.
If you fail to comply with (i) or (ii) above, we will cancel the hiring without compensation. This is
because there is a limit on the number of TENs that can be granted annually for any premises.
Lack of co-operation could affect future fundraising by us and by local voluntary organisations.
5. You agree with us to be present (or your authorised representative, if appropriate) during the
hiring and to comply fully with this Agreement.
6. We and you hereby agree that these Standard Conditions of Hire (see below), together with
any additional conditions imposed under the Premises Licence or that we deem necessary,
form part of the terms of this Agreement unless we and you agree in writing.
7. None of the provisions of this Agreement are intended to or will operate to confer any benefit
pursuant to the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 on a person who is not named as
a party to this Agreement.
NOTE:
IN THE EVENT OF AN EVACUATION OF BOLTON LE SANDS SCHOOL, THE CENTRE WILL
BE USED AS A TEMPORARY PLACE OF SAFETY. THE SCHOOL OCCUPATION WILL OVERRIDE ANY BOOKING EXCEPT BOOKINGS MADE BY THE LOCAL AUTHORITY FOR STATUTORY PURPOSES
**What is temporary event notice?
A temporary event notice allows you to hold a one-off event which includes certain types of
entertainment or the sale of alcohol without a premises licence.
Standard Conditions of Hire – 1st October 2023
If you are in any doubt as to the meaning of any of the Conditions, you must seek clarification from us without delay. See appendices to these conditions.
1. Age
You, not being a person under 18 years of age, hereby accept responsibility for being in
charge of and on the premises at all times when the public are present and for ensuring that
all Standard Conditions under this Agreement relating to management and supervision of
the premises are met.
2. Supervision
During the period of the hiring, you are responsible for:
(i) supervision of the premises, the fabric and the contents;
(ii) care of the premises, safety from damage however slight or change of any sort; and
(iii) the behaviour of all persons using the premises whatever their capacity, including
proper supervision of car parking arrangements so as to avoid obstruction of the
highway and Parish Council Car park.
As directed by us, you must make good or pay for all damage (including accidental
damage) to the premises or to the fixtures, fittings or contents and for loss of contents.
3. Use of premises
You must not use the premises (including the Parish Council car park) for any purpose
other than that described in the Agreement and must not sub-hire or use the premises or
allow the premises to be used for any unlawful or unsuitable purpose or in any unlawful way
nor do anything or bring on to the premises anything which might endanger the premises or
render invalid any insurance policies covering the premises nor allow the consumption of
alcohol without our written permission.
4. Insurance and indemnity
(i) You are liable for:
(a) the cost of repair of any damage (including accidental and malicious damage) done to any
part of the premises including its curtilage or its contents
(b) all claims, losses, damages and costs made against or incurred by us, our employees,
volunteers, agents or invitees in respect of damage or loss of property or injury to persons
arising as a result of your use of the premises (including the storage of equipment)
(c) all claims, losses, damages and costs made against or incurred by us as a result of any
nuisance caused to a third party as a result of your use of the premises and subject to
sub-clause (ii), you must indemnify us against such liabilities.
(ii) We will take out adequate insurance to insure the liabilities described in sub-clauses (i)(a)
and (b) above and may, in our discretion and in the case of non-commercial hirers, insure the liabilities described in sub-clauses (i)(b) and (c) above. We will claim on our insurance
for any liability you incur but you must indemnify us against:
(a) any insurance excess incurred and
(b) the difference between the amount of the liability and the monies we receive under the
insurance policy.
(iii) Where we do not insure the liabilities described in sub-clauses (i)(b) and (c) above, you
must take out adequate insurance to insure such liability and on demand must produce
the policy and current receipt or other evidence of cover to our Booking or Centre
Secretary. If you fail to produce such policy and evidence of cover, we will cancel this
Agreement and re-hire the premises to another hirer. We are insured against any claims arising out of our own negligence.
5. Gaming, betting and lotteries
You must ensure that nothing is done on or in relation to the premises in contravention of the
law relating to gaming, betting and lotteries.
6. Music Copyright licensing
The centre holds the relevant PRS/PPL for the hire fees that are charged. Any hirer who
derives income in excess of our hire fees should also hold an appropriate PRS/PPL licence.
7. Music
You must have our written permission for performance of live music and the playing of
recorded music under the Deregulation Act 2015. This Agreement confers that permission.
8. Film
You must restrict children from viewing age-restricted films classified according to the
recommendations of the British Board of Film Classification. You must ensure that you have
the appropriate copyright licences for film. This Agreement confers the required permission
on you. (The Deregulation Act 2015 requires you to have our written permission to show a
film).
9. Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults
You must ensure that any activities for children, young people and other vulnerable adults are
only provided by fit and proper persons in accordance with the Safeguarding Vulnerable
Groups Act 2006 and any subsequent legislation. When requested, you must provide us with
a copy of your Safeguarding Policy and evidence that you have carried out relevant checks
through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
10. Public safety compliance
You must comply with all conditions and regulations made in respect of the premises by the
Local Authority, the Licensing Authority, and our fire risk assessment or otherwise, particularly
in connection with any event which constitutes regulated entertainment, at which alcohol is
sold or provided or which is attended by children. You must also comply with our health and
safety policy and any special conditions which may be in force at the time(App 2).
You must call the Fire Service to any outbreak of fire, (Packet Lane LA5 8DW), however
slight, evacuate the building and give details to our Booking Secretary.
(i) You acknowledge that you have received instruction in the following matters:
• The action to be taken in event of fire. This includes calling the Fire Brigade and
evacuating the building. Fire assembly point in car park. (App 3)
• The location and use of fire equipment. (Include diagram of location when handing over
keys.)
• Escape routes and the need to keep them clear.
• Method of operation of escape door fastenings.
• Appreciation of the importance of any fire doors and of closing all fire doors at the time of a
fire.
• Location of the first aid box.
(ii) In advance of any activity whether regulated entertainment or not you must check the
following items:
• That all fire exits are unlocked and panic bolts are in good working order.
• That all escape routes are free of obstruction at all times and can be safely used for instant
unrestricted public exit.
• That any fire doors are not wedged open.
• That exit signs are illuminated.
• That there are no fire-hazards on the premises.
That emergency lighting supply illuminating all exit signs and routes are turned on during
the whole of the time the premises are occupied (if not operated by an automatic mains failure
switching device).
11. Noise
You must ensure that the minimum of noise is made on arrival and departure, particularly late
at night and early in the morning. You must, if using sound amplification equipment, make use
of any noise limitation device provided at the premises and comply with any other licensing
condition for the premises.
12. Drunk and disorderly behaviour and supply of illegal drugs. You must ensure that in order to avoid disturbing neighbours of the centre and avoid violent or criminal behaviour:
(i) no one attending the event consumes excessive amounts of alcohol
(ii) no illegal drugs are brought onto the premises.
Drunk and disorderly behaviour is not permitted either on the premises or in its immediate
vicinity. We will ask any person suspected of being drunk, under the influence of drugs or who
is behaving in a violent or disorderly way to leave the premises in accordance with the
Licensing Act 2003.
13. Food, health and hygiene
You must, if preparing, serving or selling food, observe all relevant food health and hygiene
legislation and regulations. In particular dairy products, vegetables and meat on the premises
must be refrigerated and stored in compliance with the Food Temperature Regulations. The
premises are provided with a refrigerator with inbuilt thermometer.
14. Electrical appliance safety
You must ensure that any electrical appliances brought by you to the premises and used there
are safe, in good working order, and used in a safe manner in accordance with the Electricity
at Work Regulations 1989. Where a residual circuit breaker is provided you must make use of
it in the interests of public safety.
15. Stored equipment
We accept no responsibility for any stored equipment or other property brought on to or left at
the premises, and all liability for loss or damage is hereby excluded. All equipment and other
property (other than stored equipment) must be removed at the end of each hiring or we will
charge fees each day or part of a day at the hire fee per hiring until the same is removed.
We may, in our discretion, dispose of any items referred to below by sale or otherwise on such
terms and conditions as we think fit, and charge you any costs we incur in storing and selling
or otherwise disposing of the same, in any of the following circumstances:
(i) your failure either to pay any charges in respect of stored equipment due and payable or to
remove the same within seven days after the agreed storage period has ended
(ii) your failure to dispose of any property brought on to the premises for the purposes of the
hiring.
16. Smoking
You must comply with the prohibition of smoking in public places provisions of the Health Act
2006 and regulations made thereunder. We will ask any person who breaches this provision
to leave the premises. You must ensure that anyone wishing to smoke does so outside and
disposes of cigarette ends, matches etc. in a tidy and responsible manner, so as not to cause
a fire.
17. Accidents and dangerous occurrences
You must report to us as soon as possible any failure of our equipment or equipment brought
in by you. You must report all accidents involving injury to the public to us as soon as possible
and complete the relevant section in our accident book. You must report certain types of
accident or injury on a special form in the Accident Book(located in the kitchen). Our Booking
Secretary will give assistance in completing this form and can provide contact details what to
do next. This is in accordance with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous
Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).
18. Explosives and flammable substances
You must ensure that:
(i) Highly flammable substances are not brought into, or used in any part of the premises.
(ii) No internal decorations of a combustible nature (e.g. polystyrene, cotton wool) are erected
without our consent.
19. Heating
You must ensure that no unauthorised heating appliances are used on the premises when
open to the public without our consent. You must not use portable liquefied propane gas
(LPG) heating appliances. No naked flames.
20. Animals
You must ensure that Guide dogs, Hearing dogs and assistance dog owners are allowed on
the premises.
21. Fly posting
You must not carry out or permit fly posting or any other form of unauthorised advertisements
for any event taking place at the premises, and must indemnify and keep indemnified us
accordingly against all actions, claims and proceedings arising from any breach of this
Condition. If you fail to observe this Condition you may be prosecuted by the local authority.
22. Sale of goods
You must, if selling goods on the premises, comply with Fair Trading Laws and any code of
practice used in connection with such sales. In particular, you must ensure that the total prices
of all goods and services are prominently displayed, as must be the organiser’s name and
address and that any discounts offered are based only on Manufacturers’ Recommended
Retail Prices.
23. Cancellation
If you wish to cancel the booking before the day of the event, notice must be given to the
bookings secretary and if more than 28 calendar days notice then no hire fee will apply, if
between 14 and 27 calendar days notice then 50% of the hire fee will apply and if less than 14
calendar days notice then 100% of the hire fee will apply. We reserve the right to cancel this
Agreement by giving you written notice in the event of:
(i) the premises being required for use as a Polling Station for a Parliamentary or Local
Government election or by-election;
(ii) our reasonably considering that (a) such hiring will lead to a breach of licensing
conditions, if applicable, or other legal or statutory requirements, or (b) unlawful or
unsuitable activities will take place at the premises as a result of this hiring;
(ii) the premises becoming unfit for your intended use;
(iii) an emergency requiring use of the premises as a shelter for the victims of flooding,
snowstorm, fire, explosion or those at risk of these or similar disasters.
In any such case you will be entitled to a refund of any deposit already paid, but we will not be
liable to you for any resulting direct or indirect loss or damages whatsoever.
24. End of hire
You are responsible for leaving the premises and surrounding area in a clean and tidy
condition, properly locked and secured unless directed otherwise and any contents
temporarily removed from their usual positions properly replaced, otherwise we may make an
additional charge.
25. No alterations
You must not make any alterations or additions to the premises nor install or attach any
fixtures or placards, decorations or other articles in any way to any part of the premises
without our prior written approval. In our discretion, any alteration, fixture or fitting or
attachment which we have approved may remain in the premises at the end of the hiring.
Such items will become our property unless you remove them and you must make good to our
satisfaction any damage you cause to the premises by such removal.
26. No rights
This Agreement constitutes permission only to use the premises and confers no tenancy or
other right of occupation on you.
General Reminder
ENSURE ALL OCCUPANTS ARE AWARE OF THE EMERGENCY EXITS AND
ASSEMBLY POINT.
NO NAKED FLAMES OR CANDLES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
NO PORTABLE BARBEQUE
NO BOUNCY CASTLES OR INFLATABLES
PUT ALL TABLES AND CHAIRS BACK WHERE YOU FOUND THEM
WIPE DOWN ANY SPILLS
SWEEP ALL FLOORS AS NECESSARY MOP FLOOR WITH ORANGE DUSTER
MOP
ENSURE ALL HEATERS ARE LEFT IN THE “ON” POSITION
ENSURE ALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES ARE OFF AND SOCKETS ARE TURNED
OFF
EMPTY ALL BINS AND TAKE WITH YOU
ENSURE ALL LIGHTS ARE OFF INCLUDING EXTERNAL
ENSURE ALL DOORS ARE LOCKED /CLOSED AND SECURED ON LEAVING THE
PREMISES.
NOTE FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE
WILL RESULT IN YOUR DEPOSIT BEING RETAINED.
APP2 (IF REQUIRED BY HMG)
Special Conditions of Hire during COVID-19
Note: These conditions are supplemental to, not a replacement for, the centre’s ordinary
conditions of hire.
SC1:
You, the hirer, will be responsible for ensuring those attending your activity or event comply with
the COVID-19 Secure Guidelines while entering and occupying the centre, as shown on the
attached posters which are also displayed at the centre entrances, in particular using the hand
sanitiser supplied when entering the centre and after using tissues.
SC2:
You undertake to comply with the actions identified in the centre’s risk assessment, of which you
have been provided with a copy.
SC3:
COVID SECURITY AND SAFETY. The centre will be COVID cleaned before you arrive and
when you leave, SUBJECT TO SC9
SC4:
You will make sure that everyone likely to attend your activity or event understands that they
MUST NOT DO SO if they or anyone in their household has had COVID-19 symptoms in the last
7 days, and that if they develop symptoms within 7 days of visiting the premises they MUST use
the Test and Trace system to alert others with whom they have been in contact. They MUST
contact you IMMEDIATELY and you MUST contact the Centre Booking Secretary or Secretary.
SC5:
You will keep the premises well ventilated throughout your hire, with windows and doors open
as far as convenient. You will be responsible for ensuring they are all securely closed on
leaving.
SC6:
You will ensure that no more than THIRTY (30) people attend your activity/event and occupy the
building in order that social distancing can be maintained. You will ensure that everyone attending
maintains social distancing while waiting to enter the premises, observes any one-way system
within the premises, and as far as possible when using more confined areas e.g. moving and
stowing equipment, which should be kept as brief as possible. You will make sure that no more
than ONE (1) person uses each suite of toilets at one time.
SC7:
You will take particular care to ensure that social distancing is maintained for any persons aged 70
or over or likely to be clinically more vulnerable to COVID-19, including for example keeping a 2m
distance around them when going in and out of rooms and ensuring they can access the toilets,
kitchen or other confined areas without others being present. For some people, passing another
person in a confined space is less risky, but for older people that should be avoided.
SC8:
You will position furniture or the arrangement of the room as far as possible to facilitate people
seating side by side, with at least one empty chair between each person, rather than face to face.
If tables are being used, you will place them so as to maintain a distance of at least 2 metres
across the table between people who are face to face e.g. using a wide U-shape. Observe
manual handling precautions when moving furniture and equipment.
SC9:
You will be responsible for the disposal of all general rubbish created during your hire into
the standard black rubbish bags provided in the cleaner’s cupboard before you leave the
centre. All bags should be knotted and placed in the wheelie bins on the car park. Do not
leave bags by the bins. Ensure the bins are locked. Code is 2512.
All Covid cleaning wipes etc MUST be placed in the RED bin liner which is to be left
INSIDE the centre by the locked door. This will be used when we clean after your hire.
SC10:
IF necessary, you will encourage users to bring their own drinks and food. At the time of writing
the kitchen is NOT available.
SC11:
We will have the right to close the centre if there are safety concerns relating to COVID-19, for
example, if someone who has attended the centre develops symptoms and thorough cleansing is
required or if it is reported that the Special Hiring Conditions above are not being complied with,
whether by you or by other hirers, or in the event that public buildings are asked or required to
close again. If this is necessary, we will do our best to inform you promptly and you will not be
charged for this hire.
SC12:
In the event of someone becoming unwell with suspected Covid-19 symptoms while at the centre
you should remove them to the designated safe area which is the cloak room. You will find the
First Aid Box, Covid First Aid Box and hand washing facilities in there. A disposable mop is
available in the room. Dispose of the wipe after use.
Ask others in your group to provide contact details if you do not have them and then leave the
premises, observing the usual hand sanitising and social distancing precautions, and advise them
to launder their clothes when they arrive home. Inform the centre Booking Secretary or Secretary
IMMEDIATELY THE BUILDING IS SECURED.
SC13:
Where a group uses their own equipment: Those attending who bring their own equipment MUST
not share it with other members. You will ensure that any equipment you provide is cleaned before
use and before being stored in the centre’s cupboards.
APP 3 – FIRE PRECAUTIONS
TO ALL HIRERS
These fire precautions are framed with advice from the Fire Prevention Officer Morecambe Community Fire Station. The following instructions should be followed all hirers and brought to the attention of all those using the hall.
ALWAYS
Tell your members/audience where all the fire exit doors are situated, the position of fire extinguishers and bell alarms and where the assembly station is. These are clearly shown on diagrams shown in various parts of the Hall.
ACTION ON DISCOVERING A FIRE
SHOUT FIRE FIRE FIRE
IF SAFE TO DO SO RING ONE OR BOTH OF THE FIRE BELLS
ENSURE ALL OCCUPANTS EXIT THE PREMISES QUICKLY AND CALMLY
AND MOVE TO THE MARKED ASSEMBLY AREA
Then check that all occupants are accounted for
If safe to do so for a small localised fire attempt to extinguish – quickly – using a hall fire
extinguisher. Close all internal doors before leaving the premises.
Then dial 999 and advise operator that the post code of the Village Hall is:
LA5 8DW Off Packet Lane
OUR RECOMMENDATION TO REGULAR USERS
That you carry out a your own fire drill at least annually.
