Hospitality venues invited to sign up to ‘consumer covid pledge’

Tuesday 27 July 2021

The organisation responsible for championing consumers’ rights in Jersey has invited hospitality businesses to make a ‘Covid Pledge’ allowing customers to get their money back for virus-linked cancellations.

Jersey Consumer Council’s pledge, which was announced in its newsletter last week, asks businesses to agree to six key principles:

1. If an Islander’s event (e.g. dinner reservation, birthday party or wedding reception), is cancelled or changed because of covid, they can rebook without incurring amendment charges.
2. If they choose not to go ahead with the event, they can receive a full refund.
3. If Government travel advice changes stopping islanders or their guests from being able to attend an event, they can receive a full refund for themselves or guests and not incur amendment charges.
4. If prior to the event, an islander, someone in their household or guest, either receives a positive covid test or has to isolate as a direct contact, and is able to evidence this, they can cancel or rebook without incurring charges.
5. In the above circumstances, they can also receive a full refund if they/the person is unable to attend.
6. All monies will be refunded within 14 days of the refund being requested. (This is dependent on banks processing funds promptly.) 

The Council reached out to 40 businesses at the end of June about the pledge, and five businesses have signed up: the Radisson Blu Hotel, Chateau La Chaire Hotel, the Dolphin Hotel, Samares Manor, and La Robeline Cider Company. 

That was, however, before the covid situation in Jersey deteriorated - which is why the Council now says it understands if not all businesses can commit.

JCC explained: "Although this is the type of scenario we created the JCC Covid Pledge for, we are mindful and sensitive to the fact that, due to the change in circumstances, many hospitality businesses have still not been able to reopen or able to provide their normal levels of service.

"We understand that businesses may not be able to sign up to the pledge and will not be actively pushing it at this time.

"However, we are hopeful that some outlets will be able to support it and join the original five companies that have already supported it."