In view of the implications in terms of the possible liability of society committee members and visit organisers under EU regulations, we strongly advise that societies observe and use the following text. The text highlights the potential problems that may arise from non-observance of these EU regulations:

"The Package Travel Regulations 1992, based on an EU Directive relating to package travel, concern the operating of tours over 24 hours in the UK and Europe. 

They state that any tour that consists of two of the component parts of transportation, accommodation and other tourist services should be operated by a tour operator which is fully bonded or has insurance or other trust arrangements. 

If you personally arrange package holidays or tours for your Society more than occasionally, under this legislation you will be primarily liable for the actions and omissions of both yourself and all the suppliers of the component parts of the holidays you arrange.  Liability may be with the Society or with the individual himself or herself, depending on the way in which the tour has been arranged and payments made and received. 

There are defences to this liability, but these are extremely limited and will only apply in certain circumstances. 

So, for example, all travel problems ranging from bankruptcy of the coach operator to unsafe accommodation will be your personal responsibility, even if caused by the hotel. 

It is therefore recommended that Society tours be arranged with a reliable company which is bonded and that wherever possible, the company collects payments from members."

Please email Tim Nicholls at tim@theartssociety.org for further information.