Carol Stream, IL asked in Contracts for Illinois

Q: Wedding is July 31st in Toronto but due to COVID-19 we are considering canceling the reception but hall is threatening

Our guests have come back to us and said they do not want to travel and we don't feel comfortable putting others in harm. We have 200 guests that were ready to come from Chicago with us but circumstances have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. I talked to the banquet hall about cancelling but he wants 70% of $50,000 which is absurd. Is there anything I can do?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Robert Shipley
PREMIUM
Robert Shipley
Answered
  • Chicago, IL
  • Licensed in Illinois

A: The Answer to your question is dependent upon a review of the contract, focusing on the cancellation provisions relating to Acts of God, diseases, epidemics or pandemic (although not likely to be described), emergencies, unforseen circumstances. The language of each contract is different, some contracts use the phrase "Force Majeure" to describe these events. If the venue is in Toronto, then it is likely Canadian law is applicable, but that is something that will also be referenced in the contract. I would strongly recommend you have a lawyer review the contract to advise as to your options. Another option would be to explore a different date with the same venue so that if there is not a basis to obtain a refund (absent the agreement and compassion of the venue) you would be able to enjoy your event and not lose the investment.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.