Kilkenny venue running 'on extremely tight margins' issues statement on refunds

The Seantí, a unique music venue in Kilmacow in South Kilkenny has issued a statement on the topic of refunds, in the aftermath of the recent Budget.

"In the aftermath of a Budget which has yet again done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for us, we’d just like to point out some facts," the venue stated on social media.

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"We’d ask people to read the following and hopefully understand where we’re coming from. The Seantí is a small independent music venue.

"Currently, we don’t receive funding from The Arts Council, County Council etc. We do it all ourselves. It’s not easy, and not everyone can do it. But it’s extremely rewarding for us to witness a room full of people enjoying something we’ve put together from the ground up. We thoroughly enjoy it.

"When we book an artist, or musical group, WE undertake a commitment to pay those people for their time and effort. That’s only fair. It’s THEIR livelihood.

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"They’ve spent years perfecting what they do to help enrich our lives. But it does put a certain amount of financial pressure on us to succeed.

"When someone purchases a ticket to see an act, this person ALSO commits to supporting the process. That’s how it works.

"The artists can’t do their thing without the venues… the venues can’t do their thing without support from the people. It’s a triangle, with each corner being crucial to the strength of the whole. Take one away. It all falls apart.

"Under normal circumstances, we DO NOT provide ticket refunds. This is clearly stated on our ticket sales page. We run on extremely tight margins. We simply can’t afford to grant, two, four, and sometimes more refund requests.

"At the end of the day, we’re just another small business trying to do the very best we can in a less than favourable economic environment!!

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"So PLEASE do us a favour... if you can’t afford to be at the loss of the cost of a ticket should YOU be unable to attend for any reason... don’t buy that ticket in the first place. You’re letting us and the artists down.

"Many thanks to all for your continued support as we endeavour to bring top class entertainment to the South-East.

"Regards, Team Seantí."

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