Earlier today Travel Republic and MD Kane Pirie were found not guilty of 19 charges each of operating without an ATOL. The judge found that they were selling components separately but at the same time, which does not constitute a package.
This adds another layer of confusion to what the Court of Appeal meant 3 years ago in the ABTA v CAA court case. It is probably not safe to rely on this ruling until it is known whether or not the CAA is going to appeal.
The defeat for the CAA is the third such time it has failed in a legal battle to force companies that dynamically package to get an Atol. Previously, Abta won a High Court case and an appeal.
Kane Pirie said: “We welcome the clear judgement from the court and the dismissal of all charges against Travel Republic and myself. Our position has been vindicated.
“This confirms that it is perfectly legal to sell more than one travel product at the same time.
“Travel Republic has always, and will always, act within the law, including the Atol regulations, in their current, and any future form.
“The whole process has been an expensive, unpleasant and gruelling diversion for the whole company and for me personally. I am now looking forward to being able to focus once again on driving the ongoing growth of the business.”
The VillaWarehouse.com admin team
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