Bouncer accidentally broke £300 worth of property

[Mcquaid]

Hi,

Trying to get some kind of idea what rights I have here. On Sunday night an artist I manage was performing a show in a venue (he's a vocalist). On entering the venue, the head of security searched him. He took out a small case he had containing £300 worth of jewelry (part of his stage gear) - which he then promptly dropped down a drain. There was no way of retreiving it, and numerous witnesses. The case has been completely lost. The artist was completely sober at the time, and the security do not deny the incident happened, or who's fault it was.

I've since contacted the venue and whislt acknowledging the incident happening, they've told me they won't do anything about it, but that they'll contact the security firm. I get the feeling they are going to try to palm me off, and I don't think that's acceptable. What can I do? what rights do we have? who's responsible here? Any help massively appreciated!

Thanks for your time

[des8]

Well if there is no doubt that the security guy dropped the item, and the security is employed by the venue, then the venue is liable whether or not they can claim the loss from the security firm.

So write (first class with free certificate of posting from PO) to the venue telling them the artist holds them liable for the loss, as the security was acting as the venue's agent. as such he requires the venue to either replace the items or indemnify him for the replacement value. If he loses gigs because of the loss of his gear the venue will need to indemnify him for that as well.

[Mcquaid]

Thanks for your advice - Im going to email the venue pointing this out and see what happens.