Terms of Service

1.1 In these Terms, capitalised terms have the meanings set out below.

"ACL" means the Australian Consumer Law in Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).

"Account" means a user account registered on the Platform.

"Booking" means a reservation by a Guest for an Experience, including any changes, cancellations, refunds, credits, reschedules, and related communications.

"Chargeback" means a cardholder dispute, chargeback, retrieval request, or payment reversal raised through a payment method provider.

"Content" means any text, images, video, audio, listings, messages, reviews, profiles, and other material posted or transmitted on or through the Platform.

"Experience" means a host-led activity, event, meal, gathering, tour, workshop, outdoor activity, or other experience listed on the Platform by a Host.

"Fees" means (as applicable) the Platform Service Fee, Processing Fee, Host Fees, and any other fees described on the Platform.

"Guest" means a person who browses, books, purchases, attends, or participates in an Experience.

"Host" means a person or entity that creates, lists, offers, and delivers an Experience.

"Platform" means the The Shared Table Story website(s), applications, APIs, and related services operated by the Operator.

"Platform Service Fee" means the fee charged by the Operator for use of the Platform, including marketplace services, payment facilitation services, customer support, trust and safety tooling, and platform governance.

"Processing Fee" means third-party payment processing costs and related charges, including those charged by Stripe or other payment processors.

"Operator" means The Shared Table Story PTY LTD, and includes its officers, employees, contractors, and agents.

"User" means any person who accesses or uses the Platform, including Hosts and Guests.

"User-Host Contract" means the contract formed between a Host and a Guest for an Experience.

1.2 Interpretation

(a) Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.

(b) A reference to "including" means including without limitation.

(c) If a provision is read down to be enforceable, it remains in force as read down.

2.1 The Platform is a marketplace that enables Hosts and Guests to connect and transact. The Operator does not organise, run, sponsor, or deliver Experiences.

2.2 Hosts are independent third parties. Hosts do not act as employees, agents, partners, joint venturers, franchisees, or representatives of the Operator.

2.3 The Operator does not control (and is not responsible for) Host conduct, Host premises, Host equipment, Host food preparation, Host alcohol service, Host transport, Host staff, Host compliance, or the quality, legality, safety, or suitability of any Experience.

2.4 Any references to "curation", "featured", "recommended", "verified", "quality", "world-class", "trusted", or similar terms are for user-navigation and marketplace organisation only and do not imply operational control, endorsement, or guarantees.

3.1 By using the Platform, you represent that you are at least 18 years old (or have parental/guardian consent and supervision where permitted).

3.2 You must provide accurate information and keep it updated. You are responsible for all activity under your Account.

3.3 You must keep your login credentials secure. Notify the Operator immediately of suspected unauthorised access.

3.4 The Operator may implement security controls including session tokens, device-based authentication, email verification, and rate-limiting to protect users and the Platform.

4.1 By creating an Account, making a Booking, listing an Experience, or otherwise using the Platform, you agree to these Terms and any policies incorporated by reference, including:

(a) Host Terms and Listing Rules;

(b) Guest Booking, Payments, and Refund Policy;

(c) Privacy Policy and Data & Privacy Requests Policy;

(d) Community, Content, Reviews and Reporting Policy;

(e) Safety & Risk Disclosures and Release (where applicable);

(f) any other policies displayed on the Platform as updated from time to time.

4.2 If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

5.1 When a Guest books an Experience, the User-Host Contract is formed directly between the Guest and the Host, and the Host is solely responsible for delivering the Experience.

5.2 The Operator is not a party to the User-Host Contract, except to the extent the Operator acts as the Host's limited payments collection agent (see clause 6).

5.3 Hosts must provide accurate and non-misleading listing information, including:

(a) what is included and excluded;

(b) any prerequisites, limitations, fitness requirements, age restrictions, allergies, dietary disclosures, accessibility constraints, and safety rules;

(c) location details (as provided through the Platform);

(d) licence/permit/insurance status where required by law;

(e) cancellation terms, rescheduling terms, and any special conditions permitted by the Platform.

5.4 Guests must review listing details and ask questions before booking. Guests are responsible for assessing suitability for their needs and circumstances.

6.1 Payment Facilitation. The Platform may facilitate payments through a third-party processor (such as Stripe). You authorise the Operator and its processor(s) to:

(a) charge your selected payment method for amounts due;

(b) hold funds temporarily as required for fraud prevention, compliance, and payment processing;

(c) disburse amounts to Hosts in accordance with the Platform's payout and dispute rules.

6.2 Limited Collection Agent. To the extent permitted by law, Hosts appoint the Operator as a limited payment collection agent solely for the purpose of collecting and remitting payments from Guests for Bookings. Payment by the Guest to the Operator satisfies the Guest's payment obligation to the Host for the booked amount, subject to chargebacks, reversals, refunds, and adjustments.

6.3 Fees. Fees may include Platform Service Fees and Processing Fees, which may be charged to Guests, Hosts, or both as displayed at checkout or in the Host payout breakdown.

6.4 Taxes. Hosts are responsible for determining and complying with tax obligations, including GST, income tax, and any local levies. The Operator does not provide tax advice.

6.5 Price Display. The Platform may display total prices, pre-tax or inclusive of tax depending on configuration and law. Where taxes apply, the Platform may display an estimated or calculated amount. Hosts are responsible for accurate tax treatment in their own affairs.

7.1 The cancellation and refund rules are set out in the Guest Booking, Payments, and Refund Policy, incorporated by reference.

7.2 Policy Snapshot Binding. The policy version in effect at the time of Booking may be attached to the Booking and will govern that Booking to the extent permitted by law, to prevent retroactive reinterpretation.

7.3 The Operator may issue refunds, credits, or adjustments as required by the policy, payment processor rules, fraud controls, or applicable law.

7.4 Chargebacks. If a Chargeback is raised, you agree to cooperate with evidence requests. The Operator may place holds, reverse payouts, or recover amounts from Hosts or Guests as required by processor rules and the policy.

8.1 Real-world Experiences involve risks, including personal injury, illness (including foodborne illness), allergic reactions, property damage, intoxication, weather hazards, travel risks, and third-party conduct.

8.2 Guests accept and assume the risks inherent in participating in Experiences, including risks that may arise from Host conduct, other guests, venue conditions, equipment, food, alcohol, transport, and the environment.

8.3 Hosts must comply with applicable safety laws and industry standards. The Operator does not supervise or verify Host compliance.

8.4 Where the Platform provides safety tips, they are informational only and do not create a duty of care or operational control.

9.1 You must not:

(a) violate laws or third-party rights;

(b) provide false or misleading information;

(c) circumvent the Platform, including bypassing payments or moving transactions off-platform to avoid fees;

(d) harass, threaten, discriminate, or engage in unsafe conduct;

(e) post unlawful, infringing, defamatory, or harmful Content;

(f) manipulate reviews, ratings, or reporting systems;

(g) attempt to interfere with Platform security or availability.

9.2 The Operator may suspend, remove, or restrict access for violations or risk management.

10.1 You retain ownership of your Content but grant the Operator a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to host, store, reproduce, adapt (for formatting), display, and distribute your Content for operation, marketing, and improvement of the Platform, including promotion of Experiences.

10.2 You represent you have rights to post your Content.

10.3 Reviews. Reviews reflect personal opinions and experiences. The Operator may remove reviews that violate policies or law.

11.1 The Operator's collection and use of personal information is described in the Privacy Policy.

11.2 The Operator may use data for fraud prevention, safety, analytics, support, compliance, and enforcement consistent with the Privacy Policy.

11.3 You consent to communications related to the Platform, including booking confirmations, policy updates, and security notices.

12.1 ACL Notice. Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any right or remedy that cannot be excluded, restricted, or modified under the ACL or other applicable law.

12.2 Platform Liability Cap (where lawful). To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Operator's aggregate liability to you for any claim arising out of or relating to the Platform, these Terms, or any Experience is limited to the greater of:

(a) AUD $100; or

(b) the Platform Service Fees paid by you to the Operator in the 3 months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

12.3 Excluded Losses. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Operator is not liable for indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive losses, including loss of profit, revenue, opportunity, goodwill, or data.

12.4 Third-Party Conduct. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Operator is not liable for acts or omissions of Hosts, Guests, venues, suppliers, or other third parties.

12.5 No Guarantee. The Operator does not guarantee Experiences, outcomes, availability, compatibility, suitability, or that the Platform will be uninterrupted or error-free.

13.1 User Indemnity. You indemnify and hold harmless the Operator from and against any claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including legal fees on a solicitor-client basis) arising out of or related to:

(a) your breach of these Terms or policies;

(b) your Content;

(c) your violation of law or third-party rights;

(d) your conduct in connection with the Platform or an Experience.

13.2 Host Expanded Indemnity. Hosts further indemnify the Operator for claims arising from:

(a) injury, illness, death, property damage, or loss relating to an Experience;

(b) food handling, allergens, alcohol service, licensing, permits, and venue compliance;

(c) employment or contractor claims relating to Host personnel;

(d) regulatory investigations or penalties relating to the Host or Experience;

(e) Chargebacks, refunds, penalties, or processor fees caused by the Host's conduct, listing misrepresentation, or delivery failure.

14.1 Hosts must maintain adequate insurance for their activities, including (as applicable) public liability insurance and product liability insurance for food service.

14.2 Minimum coverage amounts may be specified by the Platform. Hosts must provide evidence on request. Failure to maintain insurance may result in suspension.

15.1 You agree to attempt good-faith resolution with the other party (Host/Guest) first using Platform tools.

15.2 The Operator may provide a structured escalation ladder (support review, evidence submission, decision) as described in the Dispute Policy.

15.3 Court Proceedings. Nothing prevents either party from seeking urgent injunctive relief.

15.4 Any arbitration or class action waiver language applies only where enforceable in your jurisdiction and is not intended to remove non-excludable statutory rights.

16.1 The Operator may suspend or terminate Accounts, remove listings, withhold payouts, and take other actions where reasonably necessary for safety, compliance, fraud prevention, dispute handling, or enforcement.

16.2 The Operator may retain information and evidence as required for legal compliance, audits, and disputes.

17.1 The Operator may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be notified through the Platform or by email. Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance.

18.1 These Terms are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia.

18.2 Subject to non-excludable statutory rights, you submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland and the Commonwealth of Australia.

Questions: admin@thesharedtablestory.com

20.1 You consent to receive notices and communications electronically (email, in-app, or by posting on the Platform).

20.2 Notices are deemed received:

(a) if emailed, when sent to your registered email address; or

(b) if posted on the Platform, when posted.

21.1 You may not assign your rights or obligations without the Operator's prior written consent.

21.2 The Operator may assign these Terms as part of a corporate restructure, sale, or transfer of business assets.

22.1 If any provision is invalid or unenforceable, it is severed to the minimum extent necessary.

22.2 If a provision can be read down to be enforceable, it must be read down and remain in force.

23.1 Failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver.

23.2 You acknowledge you have not relied on any statement not expressly set out in these Terms or incorporated policies.

23.3 These Terms and incorporated policies are the entire agreement between you and the Operator regarding Platform use.

24.1 The Platform may link to third-party sites or services. The Operator is not responsible for them.

24.2 Payment processing is provided by third parties under their terms.

25.1 The Platform, its software, design, and trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Operator.

25.2 You must not copy, reverse engineer, scrape, or misuse Platform IP except as permitted by law.

26.1 You must not attempt to access non-public systems, data, or accounts.

26.2 Responsible disclosure of security issues is encouraged; do not exploit vulnerabilities.

27.1 The Operator is not liable for delays or failures due to events beyond reasonable control (including outages, network failures, acts of God, pandemics, government actions).

27.2 Hosts remain responsible for Experience delivery decisions; the Platform may facilitate reschedules/refunds.

28.1 References to consumer rights are not admissions about supplier status for Experiences.

28.2 Where a clause limits liability "to the maximum extent permitted by law", it includes all lawful exclusions, limitations, caps, and risk allocations available in the relevant jurisdiction.

A1. General. Experiences occur in real-world environments. Risks include but are not limited to:

(a) slips, trips, falls, cuts, burns, drowning, animal encounters, vehicle incidents, and weather-related hazards;

(b) injury from equipment, tools, sporting gear, cooking equipment, knives, fire, or heat sources;

(c) illness, including foodborne illness, cross-contamination, and infectious disease exposure;

(d) allergic reactions to ingredients, airborne allergens, contact allergens, and unknown allergens;

(e) intoxication-related harms where alcohol is consumed, including impaired judgment and coordination;

(f) psychological discomfort from social environments, crowds, cultural differences, or unexpected situations;

(g) property damage or loss, including theft;

(h) third-party acts and omissions, including other guests, venue staff, bystanders, and service providers.

A2. Guest responsibility. Guests must:

(a) assess suitability based on health, fitness, allergies, pregnancy status, medical conditions, and risk tolerance;

(b) follow Host rules and reasonable safety instructions;

(c) use equipment correctly and refrain from unsafe conduct;

(d) disclose relevant constraints to the Host where necessary (e.g., allergies) prior to attendance;

(e) bring appropriate clothing/gear where indicated.

A3. Host responsibility (to guests, not Operator). Hosts must:

(a) provide accurate risk disclosures in listings and pre-arrival messages;

(b) comply with food safety, alcohol, and venue laws;

(c) have a reasonable incident response plan;

(d) ensure reasonable safe setup for the Experience based on the Host's environment and activities.

B1. The following are prohibited unless expressly permitted in writing by the Operator:

(a) illegal activities, controlled substances, weapons training, violent activities;

(b) activities requiring licences/permits where the Host cannot prove compliance;

(c) services resembling medical treatment, therapy, or regulated professional advice;

(d) activities targeted at minors without appropriate safeguards and lawful permissions;

(e) hazardous stunts, high-risk activities without appropriate qualifications and insurance.

B2. The Operator may add categories of prohibited/restricted Experiences at any time for risk management.

C1. By listing, a Host represents and warrants:

(a) they have the legal right to use the venue and conduct the Experience at the listed location;

(b) they hold all required permits, approvals, registrations, and licences;

(c) they will comply with consumer law, advertising standards, and fair trading obligations;

(d) they will maintain required insurance (see Schedule E) and provide proof on request;

(e) they will maintain accurate pricing and inclusions/exclusions;

(f) they will not misrepresent professional qualifications;

(g) food and beverage activities will be conducted in accordance with applicable food safety obligations and allergy disclosures.

C2. If any representation becomes untrue, the Host must immediately update the listing or pause the Experience.

D1. The detailed rules appear in the Guest Booking, Payments, and Refund Policy. This schedule expresses a hierarchy used to reduce ambiguity:

Tier 1 (Mandatory): refunds/adjustments required by law, including non-excludable ACL remedies.

Tier 2 (Policy): refunds/credits triggered by Host cancellation, material misrepresentation, safety failure, or non-delivery.

Tier 3 (Dispute): evidence-based resolution outcomes, including partial refunds, credits, reschedules.

Tier 4 (Discretion): goodwill credits/refunds at the Operator's discretion, without admission of liability.

E1. Minimums:

(a) Public liability: not less than AUD $20,000,000 per occurrence.

(b) Product liability (food): not less than AUD $10,000,000 per occurrence.

(c) Professional indemnity (if applicable): not less than AUD $2,000,000.

E2. Proof. Hosts must provide a certificate of currency and policy schedule on request.

E3. Failure. Failure to maintain insurance may result in payout holds and suspension.

F1. Users must not post unlawful content including defamatory material.

F2. The Operator may remove Content based on:

(a) policy breaches; (b) legal notices; (c) risk management; (d) privacy and safety.

F3. Users are responsible for their statements and indemnify the Operator for defamation claims arising from their Content.