Cookie Policy | The Inbirch Group

1.Introduction

This Cookies Policy explains how The Inbirch Group ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website at pubsniffers.com (the "Site"). This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains how we handle personal data. We are committed to being transparent about the technologies we use. This policy provides you with clear and comprehensive information about the cookies we use and the purposes for which we use them.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and supply information to website owners. Cookies can be "first-party" (set by the website you are visiting) or "third-party" (set by a different website or service). Cookies may be "session" cookies (which are deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent" cookies (which remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them).

3. Legal Basis for Using Cookies

Our use of cookies is governed by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), as supplemented by the Data Protection Act 2018. Where applicable, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR) and the ePrivacy Directive also apply to visitors from the European Economic Area. We use strictly necessary cookies without consent, as they are essential for the Site to function. For all other cookies, we obtain your informed, freely given consent before they are placed on your device.

4. Categories of Cookies We Use

4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the basic operation of the Site. Without them, core features such as user authentication and security cannot function. These cookies do not require your consent under PECR. Cookie Name Purpose Type Expires when browser is closed PHPSESSID Maintains your session while browsing (login state, form data, preferences) First-party, Session Duration Cookie Name Purpose Type Duration csrf_token Protects against cross-site request forgery attacks on forms First-party, Session Expires when browser is closed cookie_consen t Stores your cookie consent preferences so we do not ask repeatedly First-party, Persistent 12 months

4.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have integrated into our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these features may not function properly. Cookie Name Purpose Type Duration user_preferences Remembers your display preferences such as region, language, and map view settings First-party, Persistent 12 months recently_viewed Stores a list of recently viewed pubs, inns, and breweries for quick access First-party, Persistent 30 days

4.3 Analytics and Performance Cookies

These cookies collect information about how visitors use the Site, such as which pages are visited most often and whether visitors encounter error messages. The information collected is aggregated and used to improve how the Site works. These cookies require your consent. Cookie Name Purpose Type Duration ps_visitor Our internal visitor tracking system records page views and session activity to help us understand site usage patterns. Data is stored in our own database and is not shared with third parties. First-party, Persistent 24 hours

4.4 Third-Party and Mapping Cookies

Some pages on our Site embed interactive maps and content from third-party services. These services may set their own cookies. We do not control these cookies; please refer to the respective third-party privacy policies for more information. Service Purpose Provider Privacy Policy OpenStreetMap / Leaflet Displays interactive maps showing pub, inn, and brewery locations openstreetmap.org/copyright Google Maps (if enabled) Displays interactive maps and provides directions to listed venues policies.google.com/privacy

4.5 Advertising Cookies

We do not currently use advertising or behavioural tracking cookies. If this changes in the future, this policy will be updated and your consent will be obtained before any such cookies are deployed.

5. Your Consent and Cookie Banner

When you first visit our Site, a cookie consent banner will be displayed. You can choose to accept or reject non-essential cookies. Your choices are saved in a cookie_consent cookie so that we do not ask you again on subsequent visits. You may change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of any page on the Site. You are free to reject all non-essential cookies without any impact on your ability to browse and use the core features of the Site.

6. Managing Cookies via Your Browser

In addition to our cookie consent controls, most web browsers allow you to manage cookies through their settings. You can typically choose to block all cookies, accept all cookies, or be notified when a cookie is set so you can decide at that point. Please note that blocking all cookies may affect your experience on the Site and other websites. You can find instructions for managing cookies in the most commonly used browsers at the following locations:

Google Chrome: support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
Mozilla Firefox: support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/cookies-information-websites-store-on-your-computer
Apple Safari: support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/safari/sfri11471
Microsoft Edge: support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/manage-cookies-in-microsoft-edge

7. What Data Do Cookies Collect?

Depending on the type of cookie, the following categories of data may be collected:

IP address (anonymised where possible for analytics purposes)
Browser type and version
Operating system
Referring URL (the page you came from)
Pages visited on our Site and time spent on each page
Session identifiers
User preferences and display settings

Our internal analytics system stores visitor data in our own database hosted on our servers. This data is not shared with, sold to, or accessible by any third party.

8. Data Retention

Cookie data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected. Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies expire according to the durations listed in Section 4 above. Analytics data derived from cookies is retained for a maximum of 26 months, after which it is automatically purged.

9. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR and, where applicable, EU GDPR, you have the following rights in relation to personal data collected via cookies:

Right of access — You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
Right to rectification — You can ask us to correct inaccurate personal data.
Right to erasure — You can ask us to delete your personal data in certain circumstances.
Right to restrict processing — You can ask us to limit how we use your data.
Right to object — You can object to our processing of your personal data.
Right to withdraw consent — You can withdraw your cookie consent at any time via our Cookie Settings.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 12 below.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Site is not directed at children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal data from a child under 16, we will take steps to delete that data as soon as possible.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or in applicable law. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document and, where appropriate, notify you via a revised cookie consent banner. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Cookies Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us at: admin@inbirch.com