Terms of Service

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

By booking or attending Lakeside Culinary Classes' services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not book or attend our classes.

2. Description of Services

Lakeside Culinary Classes provides in-person culinary education and cooking instruction in your home kitchen. Our services include:

  • Hands-on cooking classes in your home for small groups or individuals
  • Technique-focused instruction and cuisine exploration classes
  • Personalized and customized class design
  • Demo-based culinary events for entertaining
  • Recipe sharing and ongoing culinary guidance

3. Class Registration and Booking

3.1 How to Book

To book a class, you must provide:

  • Your name and phone number
  • The class(es) you are interested in
  • Requested date and time
  • Number of participants
  • Any dietary restrictions, food allergies, or special requests
  • Your address/location

3.2 Booking Confirmation

  • Classes are confirmed only upon receipt of the 50% deposit
  • I will contact you to confirm all details before finalizing the booking
  • You will receive an invoice for the full amount once the class is booked

3.3 Participant Requirements

  • Participants must disclose any dietary restrictions, food allergies, or medical conditions relevant to class participation
  • Participants under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian
  • All participants must sign a liability waiver before class begins

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Payment Schedule

  • 50% deposit is required at time of booking via Interac e-Transfer
  • Remaining 50% balance must be paid 7 days prior to the scheduled class via Interac e-Transfer
  • All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD)
  • 5% GST will be added to the price of each class

4.2 Accepted Payment Methods

  • Interac e-Transfer only
  • Payment instructions will be provided on your invoice

4.3 Price Adjustments

Prices may be subject to change based on:

  • Specific requests or ingredient substitutions
  • Substantial increases in grocery costs
  • Travel outside the core service area (30 minutes from Blind Bay, BC)

Any price adjustments will be determined and communicated prior to booking confirmation.

5. What's Included in the Class Price

Each class includes:

  • All ingredients required for the established menu/course
  • Any specialized tools or equipment not available in your kitchen
  • Up to 30 minutes of set-up time before class
  • The full class duration (demonstration, instruction, hands-on cooking, and eating time)
  • Up to 30 minutes of clean-up assistance after class
  • Transportation within the core service area (30 minutes from Blind Bay, BC)
  • Relevant written recipes

6. What's Not Included

The following are NOT included and must be provided by you:

  • 1-2 clean kitchen towels per person
  • One apron per person (or participants should wear clothing they don't mind getting dirty)
  • Any beverages, wine, or alcoholic drinks (I can suggest wine pairings in advance if requested)
  • Clear counter space and a clean, organized kitchen
  • Sufficient refrigerator/freezer space (requirements discussed upon booking)

7. Cancellation and Refund Policy

7.1 Deposit

The 50% deposit paid at booking is non-refundable as it reserves your date and blocks my calendar from accepting other bookings.

7.2 Full Class Cancellation

If you need to cancel the entire class:

  • More than 72 hours before class: The remaining 50% balance is refundable
  • Less than 72 hours before class: The remaining 50% balance is non-refundable; however, you may reschedule by paying a rebooking fee (determined based on class type and number of participants, provided at initial booking)

7.3 Individual Participant Cancellation

If an individual participant cannot attend:

  • More than 72 hours before class: 50% refund of that participant's portion
  • Less than 72 hours before class: No refund, but you may send someone in their place

7.4 Reason for Policy

As a small business, significant preparation goes into each class beyond purchasing ingredients, including planning, organizing materials, and setup for the number of participants booked. This policy helps ensure I can continue providing high-quality, personalized classes while managing cancellations fairly. Thank you for your understanding.

8. Adding Participants

Additional guests can be added to a scheduled class with the following conditions:

  • Enrollment and full payment must be received at least 7 days prior to the class date
  • Classes are typically limited to 4-6 people for optimal hands-on learning
  • Larger groups may be accommodated depending on your kitchen size—please contact me to discuss

9. Class Cancellation by Lakeside Culinary Classes

9.1 Instructor Cancellation

If I must cancel a class due to illness, emergency, or unforeseen circumstances:

  • I will provide as much notice as possible
  • You will receive a full refund or credit toward another class
  • Classes may be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time

9.2 Weather and Emergency Cancellations

In the event of severe weather (heavy snowfall, icy roads, etc.) or emergency situations:

  • I will notify you as soon as possible
  • Classes will be rescheduled or full refunds will be provided
  • I am not liable for any expenses incurred by participants

10. Home Kitchen Requirements and Preparation

10.1 Kitchen Requirements

Your kitchen must have:

  • A properly working stove/oven
  • A properly working refrigerator/freezer
  • Counter or table space for one full-size cutting board per person
  • Clear counter space for ingredients and equipment (or a side table)

10.2 Preparation Before Class

Please ensure:

  • Kitchen is clean with clear counter tops
  • All dishes are washed and put away
  • Sufficient refrigerator/freezer space is cleared (requirements discussed upon booking)
  • 1-2 clean kitchen towels per person are available
  • Household members not enrolled in class (and pets) are not in the kitchen during class time

11. Health, Safety, and Conduct

11.1 Health and Safety Requirements

Participants must:

  • Disclose all food allergies, dietary restrictions, and relevant medical conditions
  • Inform me immediately if feeling unwell during class
  • Follow all safety instructions provided during class
  • Wear appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes
  • Not attend class if feeling ill or experiencing contagious symptoms

11.2 Code of Conduct

Participants are expected to:

  • Treat the instructor and other participants with respect
  • Follow all safety instructions and guidance
  • Maintain appropriate hygiene standards
  • Refrain from disruptive behavior that interferes with the learning experience
  • Not attend class under the influence of alcohol or drugs

I reserve the right to end a class early if a participant's behavior becomes disruptive or unsafe, without refund.

11.3 Children and Minors

  • Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising minors at all times
  • Children must be capable of safely participating in class activities
  • Minors must follow all safety instructions and participate appropriately

12. Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver

12.1 Acknowledgment of Risk

By participating in culinary classes, you acknowledge that:

  • Cooking involves inherent risks including but not limited to burns, cuts, slips, and allergic reactions
  • You are voluntarily participating with knowledge of these risks
  • You are physically and mentally capable of participating safely
  • You will follow all safety instructions and use equipment properly
  • Classes take place in your home, which is your responsibility to maintain in a safe condition

12.2 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

  • Lakeside Culinary Classes and its instructor are not liable for any injuries, accidents, or damages that occur during or as a result of class participation
  • You assume all risks associated with class participation in your own home
  • Our liability for any claims is limited to the amount paid for the class in question

This limitation does not affect rights that cannot be excluded under British Columbia consumer protection legislation.

13. Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

13.1 Disclosure Requirements

You must inform me of all food allergies and dietary restrictions at the time of booking. While I make reasonable efforts to accommodate dietary needs:

  • I cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment
  • Cross-contamination may occur despite best efforts
  • Participants are responsible for deciding whether to consume any food prepared in class
  • If you have severe allergies, you participate at your own risk

13.2 Ingredient Accommodations

I will make reasonable efforts to accommodate dietary restrictions, but:

  • Some substitutions may not be possible for certain recipes or techniques
  • I reserve the right to determine if a class is suitable for your dietary needs
  • Alternative class dates or different classes may be suggested if accommodations cannot be made

14. Intellectual Property and Recipe Usage

14.1 Recipe Ownership

  • Recipes and techniques taught in classes are the intellectual property of Lakeside Culinary Classes
  • Recipes provided to participants are for personal, non-commercial use only
  • You may not publish, share online, or use recipes commercially without written permission

14.2 Website Content

All website content, including text, images, logos, and design elements, is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without permission.

15. Photography and Media

15.1 Class Photography

  • I may take photographs during classes for promotional purposes
  • By attending, you consent to being photographed unless you notify me otherwise
  • You may request that identifiable photos of you not be used for marketing

15.2 Participant Photography

  • You may take photos of your own creations for personal use
  • Please be respectful of other participants' privacy
  • Do not photograph proprietary techniques or recipes without permission

16. Service Area and Travel

16.1 Core Service Area

The core service area includes locations within 30 minutes of travel from Blind Bay, BC, covering:

  • Blind Bay, Sorrento, Chase
  • Many areas near Scotch Creek, Eagle Bay, White Lake, Tappen, and Salmon Arm

16.2 Additional Travel Fees

  • Travel outside the 30-minute core area will incur additional fees
  • Additional travel costs will be calculated and communicated before booking
  • Use Google Maps to estimate travel time from Blind Bay, BC to determine if you're in the core area

17. Privacy and Data Protection

Our collection and use of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which complies with the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and other applicable Canadian privacy laws. By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of your data as described in our Privacy Policy.

18. Modifications to Services and Terms

18.1 Class Content Changes

I reserve the right to:

  • Modify class recipes or menus based on ingredient availability
  • Adjust techniques or timing as needed for optimal learning
  • Substitute ingredients when necessary

You will be notified of any significant changes in advance.

18.2 Terms Changes

I may update these Terms at any time. Material changes will be posted on the website with an updated effective date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

19. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

19.1 Informal Resolution

I encourage direct communication to resolve any issues or concerns. Please contact me first before pursuing formal dispute resolution.

19.2 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of British Columbia, Canada. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of British Columbia.

19.3 Consumer Rights

Nothing in these Terms is intended to limit or exclude consumer rights that cannot be excluded under British Columbia's Consumer Protection Act or other applicable consumer protection legislation.

20. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

21. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact me:

Lakeside Culinary Classes
Email: lakesideculinaryclasses@gmail.com

By booking and attending classes, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.