{"id":178748,"date":"2022-11-23T12:46:04","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T12:46:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/?p=178748"},"modified":"2022-11-30T00:04:42","modified_gmt":"2022-11-30T00:04:42","slug":"use-force-majeure-clauses-events-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/commercial-contracts\/use-force-majeure-clauses-events-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Should My Events Company in the UK Care About Force Majeure Clauses?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Running a business in the events industry can be unpredictable at times. Therefore, many event companies treat the bookings in their diary with a pinch of salt until closer to the scheduled date.  Naturally, most cancellations in the events industry happen because of the client pulling out, but what about situations where your company needs to? This article will explore why an events company may use force majeure clauses by looking at some of <\/span>their benefits<\/span><\/a>. This will help you decide if your organisation should use them within its commercial contracts.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Force Majeure Provisions<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Force majeure comes from the French phrase for \u2018superior force\u2019. This makes sense in a force majeure clause, as its purpose is to protect your events company from uncontrollable circumstances.  The precise wording of these clauses will vary from contract to contract, but most will detail that those circumstances include unforeseen events outside each party’s control, including natural disasters.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, let us say that a commercial client signs a contract requiring your events company to arrange a party on a beach on a wooden pier. Unfortunately, two days before the event, a hurricane destroys the pier. This makes it impossible for your business to deliver the event due to the pier not existing anymore. A suitable force majeure clause should allow your company to cancel. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, <\/span>a force majeure provision<\/span><\/a> exists to protect your company when the performance of the contract would be near impossible rather than just merely difficult.  So, for example, if you arranged for a band to play on a lawn outside a mansion and the weather forecast was for heavy wind or rain, you would not be able to use a force majeure clause. This would particularly be the case if you could move the event and band inside the mansion. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some organisations refuse to sign commercial contracts containing force majeure clauses.  If a commercial client refuses to agree to force majeure provisions, you should weigh the pros of gaining their business against the lack of potential flexibility.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below we consider why an events company, such as yours, should care about force majeure clauses.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoiding Potentially Harmful Scenarios<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of your main priorities as the owner of an events company is avoiding the risk of harm to staff and individuals. A good force majeure clause could give your organisation the flexibility to withdraw from a booking where it could cause serious harm.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, for example, imagine a commercial client books a powerful sound system and DJ for an ageing outdoor stage, and the week before, part of it collapses. The damage is so severe that no one can repair it before your client\u2019s event. If there is no other secure place for the DJ to put their equipment, it is practically impossible for you to comply with your contractual obligations safely. This may be a force majeure event, so one the clause would help with.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if it is possible to erect a temporary stage next to the original structure, the DJ may be expected to set up there, and a force majeure event may not have occurred.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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