A hire charge is a fee for using the function room. It helps the venue cover costs such as staff, cleaning, power, and sometimes security. This fee does not include food or drinks.
Some venues charge a hire fee regardless of your spend, while others require a hire charge only if there is no minimum spend. A hire charge gives certainty of cost because there is no risk of failing to meet a minimum spend target.
If the venue allows ticketed events, you could charge entry to cover the hire charge, effectively running your party for free.
Minimum spend is the amount your group must spend on food and/or drinks to hire the function room. It ensures the venue covers staff, service, and space costs. It is your obligation to meet the minimum spend.
Depending on the venue, the minimum spend may apply to:
This allocation is always clearly reflected in the venue’s published price. A minimum food spend may be part of a food/drinks minimum spend. The rest of the minimum spend can then be used for either food or drinks.
Every venue listing clearly states what the minimum spend can be used for. For example:
The “from” price on the listing represents the minimum hire charge plus the minimum spend for that room.
If your group does not reach the minimum spend target, the venue may:
Example: If the minimum spend is $1,000 (Food Only) and your group spends only $800 on food, the venue may charge $200 difference.
If the venue quotes a higher hire charge or minimum spend than the published price, Partystar’s Function Booking Guarantee applies. You may be eligible for compensation if the listed price is exceeded.
If you’re unsure how the minimum spend applies to your booking, contact our Functions Support team before confirming your reservation.
Last updated 16 November 2025