A soon-to-be bride who booked a wedding reception at a Long Forest venue that has been banned from hosting functions has applied to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal seeking a refund.
Keilor Downs resident Lizelle Magayanes, who is getting married next month, made a $6200 booking with Boyd Baker House in September last year.
She said the function centre’s operators took her booking, despite being temporarily banned by Moorabool council for not having appropriate planning permits in early 2013.
The CFA has said the function centre, which can cater for up to 200 guests, posed an unacceptable fire risk. A planning application to resume operations was refused by the council in December.
The application proceeded to VCAT, with the next hearing to be held this Thursday.
Ms Magayanes said the operators offered her a refund in January, saying they couldn’t promise the venue would be running in time.
“I’ve been waiting for the money since, and we’ve had to look for a new venue, change churches and re-jig wedding plans.” Ms Magayanes was told the operators needed four weeks to refund the money, and she contacted them again after that period. “It’s hard enough planning a wedding, let alone with money owed to us.”
Ms Magayanes contacted Consumer Affairs Victoria, who informed the venue’s operators they had until March 17 to repay her.
“I still haven’t received my money, and they’ve now asked me for an extension on paying me back until April 8. I find that unacceptable,” she said.
“Consumer Affairs have informed me it will take between three and four months for a hearing date, which is not ideal, but at least it’s something.”
The venue’s operators could not be reached for comment.
Consumer Affairs Victoria spokesman Travers Purton said 768 refund-related disputes were reported last year.
“If a business and its customer cannot resolve a dispute with [our] assistance, they can take it further by applying for a civil claims hearing at VCAT.”
