Abdstract Studio — Terms & Conditions

1. Booking and Payment

  • Deposit: For all event-hire bookings, a non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking. This deposit is applied toward the total cost of your event venue rental. For studio (non-event) hires, full payment is required at the time of booking.

  • Balance Payment: The remaining balance is due 48 hours prior to the booking date. Failure to remit payment on time may result in cancellation of your booking.

  • Payment Methods: Mastercard, Visa, Afterpay, American Express, EFTPOS, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Zip and Klarna.

2. Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

  • Refunds: Payments are non-refundable except where a cancellation is made more than 72 hours before the scheduled booking. In this case, only the deposit may be refunded.

  • Cancellation: Cancellations must be submitted through our online booking system or by contacting us via email or social media. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the booking will result in the loss of the deposit but no further charges.

  • Rescheduling: Clients may reschedule their booking free of charge if at least 72 hours’ notice is provided via our online booking system, email, or social media.

Note: Cleaning/pack-down must occur within your booked time (see Section 5). Overtime charges apply otherwise (see Section 7).

3. Bond Payments for Venue Hire

  • Purpose of Bond: A $500 bond is required for all event venue hires as security against potential damages, additional cleaning, or overtime use.

  • Damages: Clients are responsible for any damage to the studio premises, equipment, or furnishings during their booking (including misuse of equipment, spills, stains, or alterations to the property).

  • Bond Refund: The bond will be refunded within 48 hours after the event, pending inspection confirming no damages or additional charges.

  • Bond Retention: If damages occur, or if these terms are violated, Abdstract Studio may retain all or part of the bond at its discretion.

4. Respect for Property and Security

  • Property Care: Clients must treat the studio, its furnishings, and equipment with care. Any damage or issues must be promptly reported.

  • Security & Theft: Unauthorised access, tampering with property, or theft will result in immediate termination of access and potential legal action.

  • Video Surveillance: Common areas may be monitored by video surveillance for security.

5. Studio Usage and Cleaning

  • Condition of Studio: Clients must leave the studio as found: return equipment, dispose of rubbish, and ensure all areas used are clean and tidy.

  • Cleaning Time: All cleaning/pack-down must be completed within your booked time. No additional time is provided for cleaning.

  • Optional Cleaning Fee: A professional cleaning service is available for $300 if requested at the time of booking.

6. Noise and Content Restrictions

  • Noise: External speakers or live entertainment (including drums and DJs) are not permitted without prior written consent from Abdstract Studio. Otherwise, clients may use the studio’s portable Bluetooth speaker for background music.

  • Content: The creation of explicit, violent, discriminatory, or otherwise offensive content is prohibited. Access may be terminated for violations.

7. Overtime and Additional Charges

  • Overtime: Time beyond the booked period is charged at $100 per hour, billed in 30-minute increments.

  • Extras: Additional charges may apply for certain equipment, props, or services (outlined in your booking confirmation).

8. Liability and Indemnity

  • Client Responsibility: Clients are responsible for the conduct of their guests and any damage caused by them.

  • Indemnity: Abdstract Studio is not liable for personal injuries, damage, or loss of property during the booking period. Clients agree to indemnify and hold Abdstract Studio harmless against any claims arising from their use of the premises.

9. Smoking and Guest Responsibility

  • Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited indoors. Designated outdoor smoking areas must be used.

  • Guests: Clients are responsible for guests’ behaviour. Any violations by guests may result in bond retention or termination of access.

10. Pets

  • Permission Required: Pets are not permitted inside Abdstract Studio without prior written permission.

  • Responsibility: If pets are approved, the hirer is fully responsible for supervising them at all times, keeping them off furniture, and ensuring no damage, mess, or disturbance is caused. Any damages or additional cleaning resulting from pets will be deducted from the bond.

11. Termination and Modifications

  • Termination: Abdstract Studio may terminate access and retain bonds for breaches of these terms.

  • Modification of Terms: We may amend these terms at any time. Clients will be notified of significant changes.

12. Governing Law

  • Jurisdiction: These terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia.

13. Intellectual Property and Content Creation

  • Client-Provided Content: Clients are responsible for ensuring they have rights to any content used or created in the studio.

  • Usage Rights: Unless otherwise agreed, Abdstract Studio may use content created in the studio for promotional purposes.

  • IP Disputes: Clients are solely responsible for resolving copyright disputes related to content created in the studio.

14. External Vendors & Activities (Simple Policy)

  • Hirers may engage external vendors (e.g., food trucks, caterers, children’s play equipment suppliers, entertainers) at their own cost and responsibility.

  • All external vendors must hold current Public Liability Insurance (minimum $10 million cover) and comply with all relevant food safety and equipment safety regulations.

  • For vendors serving food or drink, the hirer must ensure the vendor holds a valid Food Act registration and lodges a Statement of Trade (SOT) for the date/location of the event. Proof may be requested by Abdstract Studio prior to the event.

  • Abdstract Studio does not manage, supervise, or take responsibility for the operation or compliance of external vendors. The hirer accepts full responsibility for engaging vendors and indemnifies Abdstract Studio against any claims, damages, penalties, or incidents arising from their activities.

15. Food Trucks & Cooking Vans (Outside Only)

  • Food trucks/cooking vans may operate only in designated outdoor areas as directed by Abdstract Studio. Vehicles are not permitted inside the studio.

  • Once guests arrive, no vehicle movement is permitted until service ends and the area is cleared.

  • The vendor must supply and maintain appropriate fire safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguisher and fire blanket) and ensure gas cylinders/electrics are compliant and safely positioned.

  • The vendor is responsible for power management, spill control, and waste removal (including oil/grease). No waste is to be left onsite.

  • Abdstract Studio may refuse or stop any setup deemed unsafe or non-compliant.

16. Children, Inflatables & Supervision

  • Children must be actively supervised by a parent/guardian at all times. Abdstract Studio is not a childcare facility.

  • Inflatables (e.g., jumping castles) are only permitted where supplied by a professional, insured provider and sized appropriately for the space. All setup and supervision are the hirer’s responsibility. Abdstract Studio may refuse inflatables that present safety or space issues.

17. Parking, Traffic & Outdoor Safety

  • Where vendors are positioned in driveways, car parks, or areas requiring guests to cross shared roads/driveways, the hirer is responsible for guest safety, including (where appropriate) temporary barriers/cones, clear pedestrian routes, and marshals during busy periods.

  • Abdstract Studio is not responsible for the movement or supervision of guests in external/shared areas beyond the studio boundary.

18. Proof of Compliance (Upon Request)

  • Abdstract Studio may request copies of vendor documents prior to the event, including: (a) Public Liability Insurance; (b) Food Act registration; and (c) confirmation of Statement of Trade (SOT) lodgement for the event.

  • Failure to provide requested documents may result in refusal of vendor access without refund.

19. Alcohol Policy

  • No Alcohol on Premises: The consumption, service, or sale of alcohol is not permitted anywhere on Abdstract Studio property, including outdoor areas, without prior written approval from Abdstract Studio.

  • Written Approval (if applicable): In the rare case that permission is granted, the hirer must ensure all alcohol service complies with Victorian liquor laws and that no alcohol is served to minors or intoxicated persons.

  • Responsibility: The hirer accepts full responsibility for the behaviour and safety of guests and indemnifies Abdstract Studio against any claims, incidents, or damages arising from the presence or consumption of alcohol.

For questions about these terms: abdstractstudio@gmail.com