1. Who We Are
Whisky Coterie is a private membership community. Access to certain areas of our website is reserved for approved members only.

2. Information We Collect
When you interact with our website or register as a member, we may collect the following types of personal information:

– First Name(s) and Last Name
– Username
– Date of Birth
– Date of Joining
– Email Address
– Phone Number
– Country and Address
– Profile Picture
– Forum Posts, Uploaded Files, and Communications
– Technical and Usage Data (via Google Site Kit)

3. How We Use Your Information
We use your data for the following purposes:

– To manage your membership and account access
– To provide access to member-only content, including forums and directories
– To facilitate communication within the community
– To improve the functionality, performance, and security of our website
– To ensure compliance with our Terms of Use and internal policies
– To monitor website usage and user interactions through analytics

4. Member Directory and Forum
Whisky Coterie features a members-only area with profile browsing and discussion forums.
– Profile Information: Certain profile details (e.g., name, profile picture) may be visible to other members depending on your membership level.
– Forum Content: Anything you post or upload in the forum may be visible to other members and is subject to moderation.

Access to both the directory and forum is based on your assigned membership level.

5. Cookies Policy
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website.

What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored in your browser that help websites remember your preferences and activity.

Why We Use Cookies:
– To maintain login sessions and improve site functionality
– To collect anonymous usage statistics via Google Site Kit (which includes Google Analytics)
– To remember preferences and personalise your experience

Cookie Consent
Upon your first visit, we display a cookies notice. By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy. You may manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.

6. Google Site Kit & Analytics
We use Google Site Kit to collect aggregated, anonymous data about how visitors use the site. This data helps us understand website performance, user interactions, and areas for improvement.

Google may collect data such as your IP address, browser type, device information, and the pages you visit. You can learn more about how Google uses this data here: https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites

7. Data Security & Storage
Your data is stored securely on our hosting servers and managed through our WordPress installation. We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect it from unauthorized access, alteration, or loss.

8. Data Sharing
We do not sell or rent your data. We may share data with trusted service providers (e.g., web hosts, email platforms, analytics tools) solely to maintain and operate the website and its services.

9. Your Rights
You have the right to:

– Access and update your personal information
– Request deletion of your data
– Withdraw consent for non-essential data processing
– Request information about how your data is used
– Lodge a complaint with a data protection authority, if applicable

To make a request, please contact us via the contact form on the website.

10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy & Cookies Policy from time to time. All changes will be posted on this page with the revised effective date.

11. Contact Us
For privacy-related inquiries or questions about this policy, please contact us via our contact form: https://whiskycoterie.com/contact