RULES OF THE CLUB
LAST UPDATED: Wednesday 20th November
- THE CLUB
- The House of KOKO is a private members club located at 74 Crowndale Road, London NW1 1TP (the “Club”).
- The Club is owned and operated by The Hope Lease Limited (company number 09773675) (the “Company”). The Company’s VAT number is 265009808. The correspondence address for the Company is KOKO Head Office, The Hope Lease Limited, 3rd Floor, Denmoss House, 7 Greenland Street, London NW1 0ND.
- THE RULES
- The Club aims to be a members’ club for individuals across a broad and diverse range of backgrounds, interests and industries.We need everyone to abide by a clear set of commonsense rules in order that all members and guests can use and enjoy the Club and its facilities and to provide an enjoyable place to work for our team.
- These rules and any policies issued by the Club, as amended from time to time, are the rules of the Club (the “Rules”).
- These Rules (including any policies) may be amended or varied by the Company at any time on giving 14 days’ notice of any such amendment or variation. Notification may be made via the Club portal so please check it regularly.
- Your membership relates only to access to the Club and use of its facilities. It does not entitle you to any participation in the Company or its underlying business.
- APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
- By submitting your application for membership, you agree to be bound by these Rules. Applications must be submitted together with payment details using the forms provided by the Club. Your information will be stored and used subject to the Club’s Privacy & Cookie Policy (koko.co.uk). You may withdraw your application at any time simply by letting us know in writing. You must ensure you keep us up to date with your contact details whilst your membership application is being considered.
- If your membership application is successful, the Company will send you a welcome email. Your annual membership starts on the date specified in your welcome email. Your election as a member is conditional on you completing the following within 30 days of the welcome email:
- accepting the membership offer by completing your profile online at the Club membership portal;
- paying the relevant joining fee and or/annual subscription; and
- if not already provided as part of your application completing a direct debit form or providing continued card authorisation details for future annual subscriptions and other charges that may become payable from your use of Club facilities (a "Direct Debit Mandate").
- Failure to comply with paragraph 3.5 shall (unless the Company decides otherwise in its absolute discretion) result in cancellation of your membership.
- You may cancel your membership within 14 days from the date your membership starts by giving us written notice. We will promptly reimburse to you any subscription payments received from you less an administrative fee of £50 to cover costs and bank charges.
- You agree as and when required to renew and at all times maintain, a valid Direct Debit Mandate or provide continued card authorisation details in order to provide for payment of your annual subscription and any other charges payable arising from your membership and use of the Club’s facilities.
- A committee of members (the “Membership Committee”) is appointed by the Company to review applications and make recommendations as to who should be admitted as a member. Membership of the Membership Committee is granted at the absolute discretion of the Company and may be terminated and/or suspended at any time by the Company. Admission to new members is subject to space availability. The Membership Committee may request additional information from any applicants and an applicant may be required to meet with the Membership Committee or a member of it (whether in person or by video conference).
- The Membership Committee meets quarterly or at such other intervals as directed by the Company.
- The Membership Committee shall have absolute discretion as to who shall become a member of the Club and when. No reason shall be given to any applicant in the event of their non-admission.
- MEMBERSHIP
- The Company reserves the right at any time:-
- to offer and maintain different types of membership of the Club with different entitlements;
- to offer and maintain different levels of joining fees and/or membership subscription; and
- to modify, restrict or vary the entitlements including usage entitlement relevant to each membership type.
- Any changes made under paragraph 4.1 shall be published on the Club’s portal not less than 14 days before implementation.
- Every candidate for membership must be at least 18 years of age.
- The criteria/requirements for each classification/category of member shall be as follows:-
- Founder Member: details in accordance with the information provided to you in the invitation as a Founder Member including age criteria;
- 35 and over Member: 35 years of age or above on the date you are accepted as a member;
- Under 35 Member: under 35 years of age (but at least 18 years of age) on the date you are accepted as a member; proof of age required;
- Patron Member: at least 18 years of age on the date the invitation to join as a Patron is issued by the Company; and
- Honorary Members: elected in accordance with paragraph 5.
- If any age criteria connected to your membership category is no longer applicable to you, then the Club shall automatically apply a change of category at the next renewal date. All renewals remain subject to Membership Committee approval. Any change in fees shall be applied at the next renewal date following any such change.
- The Club requires all members to have on file current information including: email, address, phone number and a valid credit card. Members are responsible for promptly updating their personal contact information in order to receive notices and up-to-date information.
- Members are welcome to propose new applicants to join the Club. Having a proposer support a membership application is not mandatory, but it can be taken into account by the Membership Committee.
- To cancel a membership, members must provide the Club with not less than 30 days written notice prior to their membership renewal date. If notice is not given you will be liable for the next following 12 months membership fees (provided your membership is renewed by the Membership Committee). Should a membership be cancelled under this paragraph or otherwise terminated by the Club all outstanding balances must be settled and any membership cards or other Club property returned.
- HONORARY MEMBERS
- The Company may at its absolute discretion invite any person (including an existing member) to become an honorary member of the Club.
- An honorary member shall be entitled to full use of the Club subject always to compliance with the Rules save that an honorary member shall not be required to pay a joining fee or annual subscription.
- A person who is already an existing member that is offered an honorary membership is not entitled to be reimbursed for the prepaid part of their current membership fee for that current membership year.
- Honorary membership is initially granted for a period of 12 months but may be terminated at any time by the Company without providing any reason. On the expiry of such initial period subject to Membership Committee approval an honorary member may be re-elected for a further 12-month period. If an honorary membership ceases and subject to Membership Committee approval the member is elected a Young or Full Member as applicable, the then annual subscription rate shall apply but the Company will waive any joining fee.
- MEMBERSHIP PERIOD AND RENEWALS
- Unless expressly agreed by the Membership Committee in writing membership is for a minimum period of one year. Membership is then renewable on an annual basis. The renewal date will be as stated in your welcome email (usually the first day of the month of election as a member).
- Membership renewals are automatic and are reviewed by the Membership Committee on an annual basis.
- The decision of the Membership Committee in relation to any non-renewal is final. Decisions are not subject to appeal.
- FEES & SUBSCRIPTIONS
- Subject to paragraph 3.4, any joining fee payable by you is non-refundable. Memberships are non-refundable for each one-year commitment.
- Membership fees become payable immediately on the approval or renewal of your membership. The Company may amend the membership fees for each category of membership at any time.
- By providing us with your payment details, you accept and consent to being charged with membership fees in the form and payment method requested by us. We will notify you by providing at least 14 days' notice in advance if there are to be any changes to the periodic payment, date or frequency of the payment of your membership fees.
- The Company may apply an increase on any rate of annual subscription to any member by providing at least 30 days' notice, which increase shall apply from their next renewal date. If you do not wish to accept the annual increase you may terminate your membership by giving not less than 14 days’ notice of termination such notice to expire on or before the renewal date.
- Failure to pay any joining fee and/or any membership fees (including any periodic installment if applicable) within one month of the due date will result in you not being admitted to the Club and your membership being suspended. Members still in arrears three months from the initial due date will have their membership terminated.
- If your membership is terminated or cancelled part way through the applicable membership year, you shall still be liable to pay your full membership fee for the remainder of that year. This applies whether you are paying monthly, quarterly or annually.
- If a former member applies to re-join the Club the Company may at its discretion waive the joining fee. The then current annual subscription rate shall apply.
- Restaurant Reservation Cancellation Policy
- Monday to Thursday (Excluding December): Members can cancel their bookings up to 2 hours before the reservation without incurring a cancellation fee
- Friday to Sunday & all trading days in December: Members can cancel their bookings up to 24 hours before the reservation without a cancellation fee
- The first late cancellation or no-show will incur no charge. The second late cancellation or no-show within the chargeable period will incur a fee of £25 per person
- No-shows will be treated the same as cancellations and will also incur the fee
- Members must settle any outstanding charges before being able to make any new reservations
- Chargeable cancellations will be cleared from a member's profile after 6 months from the last breach of the cancellation policy.
- This policy applies to both restaurant and drinks reservations.
- ADMISSION
- Members and permitted guests may access the Club during normal hours of admission. Hours of operation will be posted on the Club’s portal which may vary from time to time for seasonal or operational reasons. Members must present their membership card or digital access token at reception on arrival and must provide the full names of their guests. Please notify the Club immediately if your membership card or digital access token is lost or stolen. Should a member allow a non-member to use their membership card or digital access token to access the Club their membership will be terminated.
- The Club is in a residential area. Members and guests are asked to minimise any noise and respect our neighbours when entering or leaving the Club and while in the surrounding area.
- Members are permitted to bring up to three guests with them to the Club at any one time subject to compliance with these Rules and at the sole discretion of the Club. Additional guests are permitted subject to having a prior reservation for dining for the total number of members and guests in the applicable party. Please note that during busy periods the Club may need to restrict member/guest access to certain areas of the Club including to safely manage permitted capacities in different areas.
- No person under the age of 18 will be admitted to the Club without the prior written permission of the Club or duty manager. Please note this rule also applies to children save where the Club publishes on its portal or otherwise notifies members that children may attend the Club (or parts of it) at certain times or for certain events.
- A member’s guests may not enter the Club without that member being present. Members may not be separated from their guests within the Club or allow their guests to remain in the Club when they leave.
- Members are responsible for ensuring their guests follow all Club rules and policies, including these Rules. Members can face suspension or termination of their membership if their guests violate or breach any of the Club rules or policies, including these Rules.
- The Company may refuse admission to any person to the Club (including members and/or their guests) and/or remove any member and/or guest from the Club premises in its absolute discretion and without giving any reason. The Club may at its absolute discretion rescind a member’s membership without providing a reason.
- The Club reserves the right to determine that on certain days members may not be admitted to the Club or any parts of it, or to provide for the closure of the Club on public holidays, for private hire or for any reason at the absolute discretion of the Company which justifies temporary closure. Where possible the Club will notify members in advance by e-mail of any temporary closure of the Club.
- The Club may also close all or part of the Club for maintenance, repair or redecoration work, or where we need to withdraw or scale back facilities or services because we consider that there is a risk to the health or safety of our members, guests or staff, or if we are required to do so by any local or government regulator or authority, including to maintain social distancing.
- The Club is a licensed premises and reserves the right of admission to anyone at all times. This includes members and guests.This also includes former members who have been expelled, resigned or had their memberships terminated or suspended and any guest that has previously been expelled/removed from the Club.
- No outside food or beverage will be permitted inside the Club.
- CONDUCT WHILST IN THE CLUB
- You and your guests must treat all other members, their guests and all members of our team with respect. Neither you nor any of your guests shall carry out any act or behaviour which may offend or cause any nuisance or distress or disrepute to another member, their guests, the Club or the Company.
- All members shall, before leaving the Club premises on each visit, pay in full all charges incurred by them or their guests whether in respect of food, beverages, events or any other matter. You are responsible for ensuring full and prompt payment of the cost of all items consumed, ordered and/or used by you and your guests. If you or one of your guests uses the Club’s facilities and services but does not pay for them at the time, we will take the charges using your credit card (or, if this is not available, by direct debit).
- You are fully responsible for the conduct of your guests. You must ensure that your guests abide by these Rules.
- If you or one of your guests causes damage to or destroys any property of the Club or the fabric of the Club building or remove any item of Club property then you will be responsible for making good any and all loss suffered by the Company. No property or items belonging to the Club should be removed from it.
- The Club has a number of sound and performance stages included within the member areas of the Club. Members and their guests should respect any and all artists during their performances.
- The sale and consumption of alcohol is only permitted in accordance with the licensing laws and regulations applicable to the Club.
- Please note that for operational and safety reasons CCTV is in use in and around the Club.
- PROHIBITED ACTS
- All members and their guests must behave appropriately whilst in the Club. No excessive drunkenness, violent or abusive behaviour, or other misconduct is permitted at the Club. We do not tolerate any abusive behaviour towards any member of our team.
- The Club operates a zero tolerance policy with regards to drugs or illegal substances. Any member or guest found or suspected to be in possession of, using, distributing or soliciting non-prescription drugs or illegal substances or any offensive items or material will be immediately ejected from the Club. Depending on the circumstances, we may report the incident to the police or relevant authorities. Any member shown to be or suspected to be consuming or bringing any non-prescription drugs or illegal substances onto the Club’s premises, or whose guest is found guilty of or is suspected to be guilty of such acts, will have their membership terminated with immediate effect.
- No animals are permitted in the Club save for legally recognised and certified assistance dogs.
- Members must not engage or participate in any gambling, betting, wagering or similar activities whilst at the Club.
- Please note that access to the Club does not include automatic access to events being staged in the main KOKO venue. It is essential that the Company manages audience and occupation capacities in all parts of the building at all times. This is to comply with licensing restrictions, fire and health & safety regulations. Accordingly, the Club may immediately terminate the membership of any member:-
- who at any time enters or whose guest enters the main KOKO venue without a valid ticket for the applicable event;
- who fails or whose guest fails to adhere to the designated points of access to the Club;
- who fails or whose guest fails to adhere to the designated points of access to main KOKO venue for access to an event for which a valid ticket is held by the member or their guest(s).
- SMOKING POLICY
- All members and guests must adhere to the Club’s smoking policy and all applicable laws and regulations. No smoking (including e-cigarettes and ‘vapes’ of any kind) is allowed inside the Club at any time.
- We may designate certain outside areas of the Club premises as a permitted smoking area from time to time. All members and guests should refrain from smoking if requested to do so at any time by a member of our team.
- MEMBERS’ PROPERTY
- Property deposited by you or a guest in the cloakroom or otherwise left on the Club’s premises, shall be entirely at your or your guest’s own risk. Neither we nor any of our team shall be liable for any loss of, or damage to, such property.
- CONFIDENTIALITY AND MEMBER PRIVACY
- The Club must be a place where members, guest and invitees of the Club can enjoy the facilities in private.
- No cameras, video or other recording devices (including mobile phones) are to be used in the Club by you or your guests. We reserve the right to take possession of and confiscate any device (including a mobile phone) and any photos, videos or other recorded images taken whilst in the Club.
- The Club enforces a strict policy of no press or publication. You and your guests must not disclose or identify any other members, guests or invitees who are members of the Club or otherwise in the Club at any time. This includes in any press, publication whether in print or online or in any social media channels. The same rules apply to any private hire events or member events at the Club or any part of it.
- Members or their guests may not disseminate any information relating to the Club, its invitees, its members or their guests that in any manner violates the statutory or common law privacy rights of any person in the Club.
- Any non-compliance with this paragraph 13 in the Club’s sole and absolute determination may lead to membership suspension or termination.
- USE OF MOBILE PHONES AND OTHER DEVICES
- Members and their guests should not make or take mobile phone calls whilst in the Club and mobile phones and similar devices should be set to silent mode. Calls and messaging are permitted but only in designated areas in the Club.
- Laptops, tablets and similar devices may be used for members’ personal and business use up until 6pm but only in designated areas of the Club. Whenever possible, headphones should be used to minimise disturbance to other members.
- FILMING AT THE CLUB AND AT KOKO
During certain events the Club team and/or partners may livestream, film or photograph in both Club spaces and/or in the main KOKO venue. Such livestreaming, filming or photography may incidentally feature members and their guests and by attending the Club and Club events (including in the main KOKO venue) members and their guests grant their approval to be included in the livestreamed, filmed and photographed content or other reportage content being created. The Club will endeavour to signpost when such livestreaming, filming or photography is taking place].
- CULTURAL BOARD
A cultural board may be appointed by the Company from time to time to support and promote the development of the Club in the areas of music, media, content, philanthropy and the arts (the “Cultural Board”). Membership of the Cultural Board is granted at the absolute discretion of the Company and may be terminated and/or suspended at any time by the Company.
- LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY
- The Company, its officers, employees, agents or sub-contractors shall not be liable to any member or guest for any loss, damage or injury suffered by them or their property howsoever caused, save in respect of death or personal injury to a member or guest to the extent caused by the negligence of the Company, its officers, employees, agents or sub-contractors. This does affect any statutory rights you or your guest as applicable may have under applicable law that may not be restricted or excluded.
- Subject to paragraph 17.1, the Company’s liability under or in connection with your membership and these Rules, whether arising from contract, negligence or otherwise, shall be limited to the total subscription fee paid or payable by you for the then current membership year.
- PRIVACY NOTICE
- The Club values the privacy of all our members, their guests and other visitors who enjoy our spaces, services, website and applications. The Club collects information from members in order to communicate regularly with them about their membership, events and happenings at the Club, as well as providing notices and other updates as necessary. Certain communications may also be sent to members on behalf of Club partners. Members can opt out of receiving all communications from the Club aside from those necessary for administering their membership account, if they wish.
- Visiting guests must sign in and the information we collect from those who are not members is used on an opt-in basis if they wish to sign up for more information about the Club or the KOKO venue.
- Our Privacy & Cookie Policy (koko.co.uk) sets out the detailed terms on which we hold and processes any personal data about you as a member and/or your guests.
- COMPLAINTS
Should any issues arise during your time in the Club these should be addressed in the first instance to the senior manager on duty. Alternatively, members may contact the membership team at membership@koko.uk.com.
- THE SMALL PRINT
- If a dispute arises between us about the interpretation of the Rules, the matter shall be referred to the Membership Committee. Their decision with respect to your membership shall be final and their decision is not subject to appeal. The Rules shall be governed and construed in accordance with English law and we each agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England.
- Neither members nor any third-party including guests shall use the name, address, trademarks or trade names or other intellectual property or identifying features of the Company, the Club or the KOKO venue for any purpose without the prior written approval of the Company on a case-by-case basis.