Travel Firm, Partner to Pay $40,000 to Settle Suit

A defunct travel firm and its former general partner agreed to pay $40,000 in restitution and penalties to settle civil allegations that they engaged in unfair business practices, Orange County prosecutors said Tuesday.

Travel Plus Ltd. and partner Edward J. Brown also agreed to a permanent court order designed to make sure they obey various advertising laws and the state’s seller-of-travel law. Neither party admitted wrongdoing.

The Newport Beach company sold memberships that offered buyers reduced travel and accommodation rates, computer software and classes on how to become travel agents. The company, which collected $1,500 to $2,500 for membership fees, closed in 1995 after only a year in business.

Prosecutors charged that the company refused to refund fees when it failed to deliver on its promises. Last October, the county sued Brown, Travel Plus and two others for $300,000. Prosecutors, in a press release, didn’t explain what happened to the other two and couldn’t be reached for comment.

Travel Plus Ltd. is not affiliated with or related to Travel Plus in Anaheim, which is a standard travel agency that has been in business for four years.