The Union Street Guest House in Hudson, New York is being exposed for actually fining the brides and grooms for negative reviews their guests post about their venue after the wedding takes place. They fine the newlyweds $500 for each negative review written about them by other people.
The policy is clearly outlined on their website, noting that the charge will be cleared once the reviewer takes down the negative post.
"There will be a $500 fine that will be deducted from your deposit for every negative review of USGH placed on any internet site by anyone in your party and/or attending your wedding or event,” reads the website. “If you stay here to attend a wedding anywhere in the area and leave us a negative review on any internet site you agree to a $500. fine for each negative review."
After a massive backlash, the USGH is rescinding its policy, stating it’s just one big joke. The policy outlined on the website has now been taken down and in a statement, the hotel said it was meant to be taken down years ago.
"The policy regarding wedding fines was put on our site as a tongue-in-cheek response to a wedding many years ago. It was meant to be taken down long ago and certainly was never enforced," they said in a statement to CNBC, Today.com reports.
The business’ Yelp page was inundated with warnings about this policy and one-star reviews after outlets like Page Six reported on it.