BYOB CITY GUIDES – LEGAL POLICIES

 

1. PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: January 2026

 

Introduction

BYOB City Guides (“we”, “us”, “our”) operates the website byobcityguides.com and related services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information across all our platforms.

 

Platforms We Operate

  • Website: byobcityguides.com (WordPress/Elementor)
  • E-commerce: Payhip (payment processing and digital delivery)
  • Guide Delivery: Heyzine (flipbook hosting)
  • Social Media: Facebook (@byobcityguides), Instagram (@byobcityguides)

 

Information We Collect

Direct Collection:

  • Name and email address (when you purchase the guide)
  • Payment information (processed securely by Payhip – we do not store card details)
  • Contact information (if you email us at [email protected])
  • Social media interactions (comments, messages, follows)

 

Automatic Collection:

  • Website usage data (pages visited, time spent, device type)
  • Cookies and tracking technologies
  • IP address and location data
  • Social media analytics (engagement metrics, demographics)

 

How We Use Your Information

  • Process and deliver your guide purchase
  • Send weekly guide updates via email (if you purchased Premium edition)
  • Respond to customer enquiries
  • Improve our website and services
  • Send marketing communications (you can opt out anytime)
  • Comply with legal obligations

 

Third-Party Services

Payhip (E-commerce)

 

Heyzine (Guide Hosting)

 

Google Workspace

 

WordPress/Elementor

  • Website platform and builder
  • May collect usage analytics

 

Social Media Platforms

  • Facebook and Instagram collect data according to their own policies
  • We access basic analytics (page views, engagement, demographics)

 

MailerLite (Email Marketing)

 

Zapier (Automation)

 

Cookies

Our website uses cookies to:

  • Remember your preferences
  • Analyse website traffic (Google Analytics)
  • Enable social media features
  • Improve user experience

 

You can control cookies through your browser settings.

 

Data Retention

  • Purchase records: 7 years (UK tax law requirement)
  • Email addresses: Until you unsubscribe
  • Website analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default)
  • Social media data: Controlled by respective platforms

 

Your Rights (GDPR)

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Correct inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of your data
  • Object to data processing
  • Withdraw consent
  • Data portability

 

Contact us at [email protected] to exercise these rights.

 

Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your data. However, no internet transmission is 100% secure. Payment processing is handled by Payhip using industry-standard encryption.

 

Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from minors.

 

International Transfers

Your data may be processed outside the UK/EU by third-party services (Payhip, Heyzine, Google). We ensure adequate safeguards are in place.

 

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date.

 

Contact Us

For privacy questions or to exercise your rights:

 

2. TERMS OF USE

Last Updated: January 2026

 

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing byobcityguides.com or purchasing our products, you agree to these Terms of Use. If you disagree, do not use our services.

 

Our Services

BYOB City Guides provides:

  • Digital restaurant guides (PDF/flipbook format)
  • Blog content and articles
  • Podcasts
  • Social media content

 

Intellectual Property

Our Content:

  • All content (text, images, logos, guides) is owned by BYOB City Guides
  • Protected by UK and international copyright laws
  • You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without written permission

 

Your License: When you purchase the BYOB London Guide:

  • You receive a non-exclusive, non-transferable license for personal use
  • You may not share, resell, or distribute the guide
  • One purchase = one user

 

Restaurant Information

Accuracy:

  • We verify restaurant corkage policies at time of publication
  • Information may change without notice
  • Always confirm with restaurants before visiting
  • Last updated date shown in guide

 

No Guarantees:

  • We are not responsible for restaurant policy changes
  • We do not guarantee restaurant quality, service, or availability
  • Restaurants may close or change ownership

 

Not Professional Advice:

  • Our recommendations are editorial opinions, not professional advice
  • We are not liable for your dining experiences
  • We have no financial relationships with listed restaurants

 

Purchases and Refunds

Payment Processing:

  • Handled securely by Payhip
  • All prices in GBP (£)
  • Digital delivery only

 

Refunds: Due to the digital nature of our product:

  • No refunds after download
  • If you experience technical issues, contact [email protected] within 7 days
  • We’ll provide technical support or issue a refund at our discretion

 

Guide Updates:

  • Premium edition includes updates through December 2026
  • Updates delivered via Heyzine flipbook (live updating)
  • Automated email notifications of significant changes

 

User Conduct

You agree not to:

  • Violate any laws or regulations
  • Share your purchased guide with others
  • Attempt to hack, disrupt, or interfere with our services
  • Post offensive, defamatory, or illegal content on our social media
  • Use our content for commercial purposes without permission

 

Social Media

When you interact with us on Facebook or Instagram:

  • You agree to the platform’s terms of service
  • We may share, respond to, or feature your comments/posts
  • Offensive content will be removed and users blocked
  • We are not responsible for third-party comments

 

Links to Third Parties

Our website and guide contain links to:

  • Restaurant websites
  • Google Maps
  • Wine merchants
  • Social media platforms

We are not responsible for third-party content, privacy practices, or services.

 

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

  • We provide services “as is” without warranties
  • We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
  • Our liability is limited to the amount you paid for the guide (£35)
  • We are not responsible for restaurant experiences, food safety, or alcohol consumption

 

Wine and Alcohol

Legal Disclaimer:

  • Our content discusses alcoholic beverages
  • You must be 18+ to purchase alcohol in the UK
  • Drink responsibly
  • We do not encourage excessive consumption
  • We are not liable for alcohol-related incidents

 

Modifications

We reserve the right to:

  • Modify these terms at any time
  • Discontinue services or features
  • Change pricing (existing purchases honoured)
  • Update guide content

 

Termination

We may terminate your access if you:

  • Violate these terms
  • Share purchased content
  • Engage in fraudulent activity
  • Abuse our services

 

Governing Law

These terms are governed by UK law. Disputes will be resolved in UK courts.

 

Contact

For questions about these terms:

 

3. COOKIE POLICY

Last Updated: January 2026

 

What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide a better user experience.

 

Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies:

  • Session management
  • Security features
  • Basic website functionality
  • Required for the site to work properly

 

Analytics Cookies:

  • Google Analytics (website traffic and behaviour)
  • Tracks: pages visited, time spent, device type, location
  • Helps us improve content and user experience

 

Functionality Cookies:

  • Remember your preferences
  • Language settings
  • Previous visits

 

Social Media Cookies:

  • Facebook Pixel (if used for advertising)
  • Instagram embeds
  • Social sharing buttons

 

Third-Party Cookies

Google Analytics:

 

Social Media Platforms:

  • Facebook and Instagram may place cookies when you interact with embedded content
  • Controlled by their privacy policies

 

Heyzine:

  • May use cookies for flipbook functionality and analytics

 

Managing Cookies

Browser Settings: You can control cookies through your browser:

  • Chrome: Settings > Privacy > Cookies
  • Firefox: Settings > Privacy > Cookies
  • Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies

 

Opt-Out:

  • Delete existing cookies
  • Block future cookies
  • Use browser “Do Not Track” settings

 

Note: Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

 

Cookie Consent

When you first visit our website:

  • We display a cookie consent banner
  • You can accept or reject non-essential cookies
  • Your choice is stored for 12 months

 

Types of Data Collected

Cookies may collect:

  • IP address
  • Device type and browser
  • Pages visited
  • Time and date of visit
  • Referral source
  • Geographic location (city/country level)

 

Cookie Duration

  • Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
  • Persistent cookies: Remain for a set period (up to 26 months for analytics)

 

Changes to This Policy

We may update this cookie policy. Check this page periodically for changes.

 

Contact

Questions about cookies:

 

4. DATA PROTECTION POLICY (GDPR Compliance)

Last Updated: January 2026

 

Introduction

BYOB City Guides is committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

 

Data Controller

BYOB City Guides

 

Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal data under these legal bases:

Contract Performance:

  • Processing purchases
  • Delivering the guide
  • Providing customer support

 

Legitimate Interest:

  • Website analytics
  • Service improvement
  • Fraud prevention

 

Consent:

  • Marketing emails (you can withdraw anytime)
  • Non-essential cookies
  • Social media engagement

 

Data We Process

Personal Identifiable Information:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Payment information (via Payhip only)
  • IP address

 

Usage Data:

  • Website analytics
  • Purchase history
  • Email engagement (opens, clicks)
  • Social media interactions

 

How We Protect Your Data

Technical Measures:

  • SSL encryption on website
  • Secure payment processing (Payhip)
  • Password-protected admin areas
  • Regular security updates

 

Organisational Measures:

  • Limited access to personal data
  • Staff training on data protection
  • Regular data audits
  • Secure data storage

 

Data Sharing

We share data only with:

Service Providers:

  • Payhip (payment processing)
  • Heyzine (guide hosting)
  • MailerLite (email marketing)
  • Zapier (automation)
  • Google Workspace (email)

 

Legal Requirements:

  • Law enforcement (if required by law)
  • Tax authorities (transaction records)

We never sell your data to third parties.

 

International Transfers

Some processors are based outside UK/EU:

  • Adequate safeguards in place (Standard Contractual Clauses)
  • Privacy Shield frameworks (where applicable)
  • GDPR-compliant processors

 

Your Rights

Access: Request a copy of your personal data

Rectification: Correct inaccurate data

Erasure: Request deletion (right to be forgotten)

Restriction: Limit how we process your data

Portability: Receive your data in machine-readable format

Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interest

Withdraw Consent: Opt out of marketing or cookies

To Exercise Rights: Email [email protected] with:

  • Your name and email
  • Specific request
  • Proof of identity (if needed)

 

We’ll respond within 30 days.

 

Data Retention

Purchase Records: 7 years (UK tax law)

Email Lists: Until unsubscribe

Website Analytics: 26 months

Customer Support: 2 years

Social Media: As per platform policies

 

Children’s Data

We do not knowingly collect data from anyone under 16. If you believe we have, contact us immediately.

 

Data Breaches

In the event of a data breach:

  • We’ll notify affected users within 72 hours
  • Report to ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) if required
  • Take immediate steps to secure systems

 

Complaints

If you’re unhappy with how we handle your data:

Contact Us First: [email protected]

UK Supervisory Authority: Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

  • Website: ico.org.uk
  • Helpline: 0303 123 1113

 

Changes to This Policy

We’ll update this policy as needed. Material changes will be communicated via email or website notice.

 

Contact

Data protection questions: