Catering contract template

What's in this catering contract

The full text. Words in brackets are filled in from the form above.

1. 1. The parties. This contract is between [Client name] (the Client) and [Caterer or business name] (the Caterer) for catering at an event on [Event date] at [Venue and service times].
2. 2. Menu. The Caterer will provide the following: [Menu]. Small changes to dishes because of seasonal availability may be made with equal quality. Other menu changes must be agreed in writing.
3. 3. Guest numbers. The price is based on at least [Minimum guest numbers]. The Client will confirm final numbers and dietary needs [Final numbers deadline]. The Client will be charged for the confirmed number or the minimum, whichever is higher. Guests added after the deadline will be catered for where possible and charged at the same rate.
4. 4. Price and deposit. The price is [Price per head]. The Client will pay a deposit of [Deposit] to book the date, which is deducted from the final bill. The balance is due seven days before the event, and any extras agreed on the day are invoiced afterwards.
5. 5. Dietary needs and allergens. The Client will pass on guests' allergies and dietary needs by the final numbers deadline. The Caterer will provide allergen information for every dish and take care to prepare suitable meals, but its kitchens handle common allergens, so it cannot promise any dish is completely free of them. Guests with serious allergies should speak to the Caterer directly.
6. 6. Staff and service. The Caterer will provide the chefs and serving staff needed for the agreed menu and service style. Service times are as set out above, and staff time beyond the agreed finish may be charged at the Caterer's hourly rate.
7. 7. Venue and facilities. The Client will arrange access to the venue for set-up and clear-down, and make sure the Caterer has the power, water, space and facilities the venue has agreed to provide. The Caterer will follow the venue's rules and leave its areas clean.
8. 8. Equipment. Crockery, glassware and equipment supplied by the Caterer remain its property. The Client will pay for items lost or damaged by guests, other than normal breakage.
9. 9. Food safety and leftovers. The Caterer will prepare and serve food in line with food hygiene rules. For safety reasons, the Caterer decides whether any leftover food can be left with the Client, and is not responsible for food kept or eaten after the service ends.
10. 10. Alcohol. If the Caterer serves alcohol, it will do so only where it or the venue holds any licence needed, and staff may refuse service to anyone who appears underage or intoxicated.
11. 11. Cancellation by the Client. If the Client cancels, the deposit is kept. If the Client cancels within 30 days of the event, 50 per cent of the estimated total is payable, and within 7 days the full estimated total is payable, less any costs the Caterer saves.
12. 12. Cancellation by the Caterer. If the Caterer has to cancel, it will try to arrange a suitable replacement and, if it cannot, will refund everything the Client has paid. The Caterer's liability for cancellation is limited to that refund.
13. 13. Events outside anyone's control. Neither party is responsible for failing to perform because of events outside its reasonable control, such as severe weather, venue closure or government restrictions. The parties will first try to agree a new date.
14. 14. Liability. The Caterer holds public and product liability insurance. Except for liability the law does not allow to be limited, the Caterer's total liability under this contract is limited to the price paid.
15. 15. Governing law. This agreement is governed by the laws of [Governing law], and the courts of that place may hear any dispute about it.
16. 16. Entire agreement. This document is the whole agreement between the Client and the Caterer about its subject. It replaces anything said or written before it, and any change must be in writing and agreed by both.
17. Signed by: the Client, the Caterer, each with a signature, printed name and date.