Privacy Policy – Cask Theory

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 2025

At Cask Theory, we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data in accordance with UK data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your rights regarding your personal data.

1. Who We Are

Cask Theory is a craft beer newsletter and blog dedicated to making beer accessible to everyday drinkers. We are the data controller responsible for your personal data.

Contact Information:

Cask Theory
Unit 161072
PO Box 7169
Poole, BH15 9EL
United Kingdom

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your data rights, please contact us at: admin@casktheory.com

2. What Information We Collect

2.1 Newsletter Subscriptions

When you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect:

  • Your email address
  • Subscription date and time
  • Email engagement data (opens, clicks) collected automatically by our email service provider

2.2 Beer Price Submissions

When you submit beer price data through our crowdsourced tracking platform, we collect:

  • Optional: Display name or nickname (only if you wish to be recognized as a contributor)
  • Beer information (name, style, brewery, ABV)
  • Price and serving size
  • Location information (pub/bar name, area, postcode)
  • Date of submission
  • Photos of beer or pricing (temporarily stored for verification purposes only, then immediately deleted)

Important: We do not collect your email address, full name, or other identifying personal information through the price submission form unless you voluntarily provide a display name for contributor recognition.

2.3 Website Analytics and Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to understand how visitors interact with our website. This includes:

  • Google Analytics data (page views, session duration, geographic location, device type)
  • Cookie consent preferences (managed through Presidium)
  • Functional cookies necessary for website operation

Our cookie consent banner allows you to control which cookies you accept. You can change your preferences at any time.

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Newsletter Communications

We use your email address to:

  • Send you our regular Cask Theory newsletter
  • Share beer education content, industry news, and local craft beer updates
  • Communicate important updates about Cask Theory

You can unsubscribe at any time using the link provided in every email.

3.2 Beer Price Data

We use submitted beer price data to:

  • Create publicly accessible beer price visualizations and tracking tools
  • Analyze pricing trends across Belfast and Northern Ireland
  • Provide value comparisons and consumer insights
  • Recognize top contributors (only if you provided a display name)

Legal Basis: We process this data based on your consent (for submissions) and our legitimate interest in providing valuable consumer information about beer pricing.

3.3 Website Improvement

We use analytics data to:

  • Understand which content resonates with readers
  • Improve website performance and user experience
  • Identify technical issues

4. How Long We Keep Your Data

4.1 Newsletter Subscriptions

We retain your email address and subscription data for as long as you remain subscribed to our newsletter. When you unsubscribe, your data is removed from our active mailing list, though some records may be retained in backup systems for up to 30 days.

4.2 Beer Price Submissions

Price submissions are retained indefinitely to maintain historical pricing data and trends. However, when a new price is submitted for the same beer at the same location, the older submission may be archived or superseded by the updated information.

4.3 Photos

Photos submitted with price data are deleted immediately after verification and are not stored long-term.

4.4 Analytics Data

Google Analytics data is retained according to Google’s data retention policies, typically 26 months.

5. Who We Share Your Data With

We use trusted third-party service providers to operate Cask Theory. These processors only access your data to perform services on our behalf and are obligated to protect your information:

5.1 Service Providers

  • Beehiiv – Newsletter platform (processes email addresses and engagement data)
  • KoBoToolbox – Form submission platform (processes beer price data)
  • Google – Analytics and data storage (Google Analytics, Google Sheets, Google Looker Studio)
  • IONOS – Web hosting provider (hosts website and WordPress installation)
  • Presidium – Cookie consent management

5.2 Public Display

Beer price data (excluding any personal information) is displayed publicly on our website through interactive visualizations. If you provided a display name, it may be shown on contributor leaderboards.

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or to protect our rights, safety, or property.

6. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers (such as Google and Beehiiv) may process data outside the UK/EEA. These providers have appropriate safeguards in place, including Standard Contractual Clauses and adherence to recognized data protection frameworks.

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
  • Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
  • Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations)
  • Right to Restrict Processing: Request that we limit how we use your data
  • Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
  • Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
  • Right to Withdraw Consent: Unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at: admin@casktheory.com

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe we have not handled your data appropriately. Visit ico.org.uk for more information.

8. Cookies and Tracking

We use the following types of cookies:

  • Strictly Necessary Cookies: Essential for website functionality and security
  • Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics to understand website usage (requires your consent)
  • Preference Cookies: Remember your cookie consent choices

You can manage your cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner or your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may impact website functionality.

For more information on how Google Analytics uses data, visit: Google’s Privacy Policy

9. Children’s Privacy

Cask Theory is intended for adults aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18. If you believe we have inadvertently collected data from a minor, please contact us immediately.

10. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes:

  • SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
  • Secure hosting infrastructure
  • Regular security updates and monitoring
  • Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new “Last Updated” date.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

12. Price Data Disclaimer

Important Notice About Price Accuracy

All beer prices displayed on Cask Theory are submitted by community contributors and verified to the best of our ability. However, please be aware:

  • Prices are subject to change without notice due to seasonal variations, promotional offers, supplier changes, or venue pricing policies
  • While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all prices are current or correct
  • Prices may vary based on serving size, time of day, or special events
  • Some venues may offer different prices for the same beer depending on circumstances
  • We recommend confirming current prices directly with the venue before visiting

Cask Theory is not responsible for any discrepancies between displayed prices and actual prices charged at venues. Price data is provided for informational and comparative purposes only.

13. Responsible Drinking

Cask Theory promotes responsible enjoyment of craft beer. Please drink in moderation and never drink and drive. For more information about responsible drinking, visit Drinkaware UK.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal data, please contact us:

Email: admin@casktheory.com
Post: Cask Theory, Unit 161072, PO Box 7169, Poole, BH15 9EL, United Kingdom

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.