Facility Hire

Bishop Auckland Town Hall operates a complete ban on smoking within the building at all times.

1. The amount charged for each letting shall be in accordance with Bishop Auckland Town Hall’s Scale of Charges, in force at the time the function takes place.
2. Full charges for the hire of the premises and all facilities required shall be paid in advance and no later than 28 days prior to the date on which the function is due to take place, provided that any increase in charges made by Bishop Auckland Town Hall, which may take place between the date on which the hirer makes the booking and the date of the function, shall become immediately due and payable upon the hirer being notified of such increase by Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
3. Payment should be made on application if less than 28 days prior to the event. Cheques/ Postal Orders should be made payable to “Durham County Council”, and forwarded to Bishop Auckland Town Hall, The Market Place, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham. DL14 7NP. Please do not send cash through the post.
4. If the hirer wishes to cancel the booking, a minimum of 28 days notice should be given in writing, otherwise the full charge will be due and payable, plus any other costs specially incurred by Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
5. Bishop Auckland Town Hall shall exercise the right of superintendence and the entire control of all facilities, for the protection of the property, for the accommodation of the public and for the purpose of compliance with the conditions of the various licences subsisting in respect of the facilities, and of assisting the Licensee in complying with the licensing laws.
6. Bishop Auckland Town Hall reserves the right to require that the stage curtains, stage lighting and P.A. equipment shall be operated by or under the supervision of a person or persons to be nominated by them. No electrical or other fittings or appliances in the facility must be altered, removed, or in any way interfered with or additional fittings or appliances installed in connection with any function without the approval of Bishop Auckland Town Hall first being obtained.
7. Bishop Auckland Town Hall reserves the right to move the hirer to a room of equal or greater rate of charge, without prior notice.
8. The hirer or his/her representative, together with the Town Hall staff, must inspect all rooms and equipment pertaining to the hire, prior to the commencement of the function, to ensure that there are no defects, and he/ she must sign a certificate indicating that he/ she is satisfied with the condition of the hall and any equipment before the function starts. Should any damage occur during the period of the hire, the hirer will guarantee to meet the cost of making good the same.
9. The hirer shall pay Bishop Auckland Town Hall the cost of repairing or otherwise make good any damage caused to the property or equipment during the period of hire, and for this purpose a certificate by the Manager as to the nature and extent of any such damage shall become conclusive and binding on the hirer.
10. Bishop Auckland Town Hall will not be held responsible for the loss, damage or injury to any person(s) (except in the case of negligence by Bishop Auckland Town Hall) or property arising out of the use of these premises, equipment therein, or grounds pertaining thereto.
11. The hirer shall be responsible for compliance with all relevant health and safety measures and provisions concerning their letting, including the safety of all portable electrical equipment and shall advise Bishop Auckland Town Hall if any relevant risk assessments and emergency procedures.
12. In the case of functions to which the public are invited the hirer shall arrange appropriate insurance to the satisfaction of Bishop Auckland Town Hall. Please tick (overleaf) to confirm that insurance has been arranged and stipulate the financial limit.
13. Bishop Auckland Town Hall will not be responsible for the safe custody of the property of the hirer, or any property of any employee engaged by the hirer nor for any damage to or loss of such property howsoever such damage or loss may be occasioned.
14. No person under 18 years of age will be allowed to attend a licensed disco, except in the case of private family functions, and in such cases the young person must not be allowed in the vicinity of the licensed bar.
15. Town Hall staff reserve the right to refuse admission to the premises and to remove any person without stating any reason.
16. No Birthday parties for anyone aged 21 years old and under will be allowed to take place at Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
17. The premises are not to be used for a sale by auction or for any dangerous, noxious, noisy or offensive trade, business, manufacture or occupation or for any illegal or immoral act or purpose.
18. All users must adhere to the rules and Conditions of Use of Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
19. All catering must be arranged via Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
20. There is no entry to the building after 9.30pm.
21. No ticket sales are allowed on the door – other than for Town Hall and theatre events – in accordance with the rules and regulations of Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
22. For any live musical performance in the building, the hirer must complete a PRS form and return it to the Centre Manager.

Note: The damage deposit cannot be refunded until the completed PRS form has been returned.