AIBU or just dumb (T&Cs)?

[Sobek]

I took DD16 to an event today. On the ticket website, it says that it is free for a child 'aged 16 and under'. I presumed that as my daughter is aged 16 she wouldn't have to pay, but when we got there they said that she has to be under 16 to get in for free. Am I being a bit dumb here and not reading this correctly?

[ChuffinAda]

You're right

16 AND under the and being the key word there

[momtothree]

Have this on a holiday website. Kids 2-12 and adults 12+ errrrr.... where does that leave 12 year old? I would say in your case 16 and under is free shes 16 so free ...

[CrystalHaze]

YANBU.

'16 and under' = those aged 16 and under are free.
'under 16s' = those aged up to a maximum of 15 years and 364 days are free.

Was the entry fee much? I'd possibly drop them an email / post on their fb page suggesting that they either need to amend their literature or retrain their staff.

[Gemauve]

'under 16s' = those aged up to a maximum of 15 years and 364 days are free.

Conversely, "over 16s" would usually be read to include people who turned sixteen today, not those who had already had their seventeenth birthday.

The question is whether you are measuring relative to your nth birthday, or relative to the beginning and end of your nth, or (n+1)th year. Of such things are court cases made.

[lougle]

"Have this on a holiday website. Kids 2-12 and adults 12+ errrrr.... where does that leave 12 year old?"

Not the same thing. That's very clear. Up until the day the child turns 12 years old they pay the child price. The moment they are 12 years old they pay the adult price.

Op was correct about the t&c. They are wrong if they were making a16 year old pay.

[Sobek]

The event in question is the Aegon International tennis in Eastbourne. Play was suspended for most of the day and was supposed to start at 4pm. When we arrived, the gate staff didn't even know that children get in free if they are accompanied by an adult with a ground pass. After finding out that this is indeed the case, they asked a manager on the ticket desk about the age restrictions and said that I would have to pay £15 for DD as she is 16. When I questioned the wording on the ticket website, I was told that it is a 'grey area' and told that I would have to queue at the ticket desk in order to complain (there was a long queue at this point). I couldn't be bothered to queue, especially as it started raining again and I thought play would be suspended again. So neither of us got to see any tennis! When we got home and I checked the wording on the website again. Now I'm feeling rather annoyed!

[Floggingmolly]

That's not clear at all, lougle. Kids are 2- 11 , and over 12's are grouped with the adults. I'd imagine that would be considered a grey area too...

[CrystalHaze]

"A grey area"

Except that its not, so they're either stupid or trying it on.

I'd complain and ask for your money back. They can't say one thing on their T&C then claim it's a 'grey area' when you get there!

[PHANTOMnamechanger]

what was the event OP and how much did it cost for child/adult? I think that you should write and complain, if their own website is saying a price they should stick to it. It is not at all unclear. If it said "up to 16" that would be a bit vaguer, as its not clear where the transition occurs ie is 16 included or not. In the case in question, there is no ambiguity at all. THEY were wrong and YOU were right, so complain.

[momtothree]

On a side note why are they allowed to charge children as defined by law adults prices? Why do we put up with it?

[Gemauve]

On a side note why are they allowed to charge children as defined by law adults prices?

Why do children get any discount at all at seated events? They're still occupying a seat, yes? Any discount given is a commercial decision by the vendor. The RSC do child discounts. Most West End theatres don't. Some festivals give a discount for children. Very few popular beat concerts in indoor venues do.