Privacy Policy​​

Effective Date: 01.01.2026

Last Updated: 01.01.2026

Website: www.thedrinkcellar.com

Company Name: The Drink Cellar Ltd

Contact Email: info@thedrinkcellar.com

​

1. Overview

The Drink Cellar Ltd ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, process, and safeguard your personal data when you visit www.thedrinkcellar.com (the "Site") or purchase products from us, whether as an individual consumer or a commercial wholesale client.

We operate in compliance with the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

2. Information We Collect

We collect and process the following categories of data:

• Contact & Identity Data: Full name, business name, billing address, delivery address, email address, phone number, and age/date of birth (for age verification required for alcohol sales).

• Transaction Data: Order details, payment confirmations (payment details are processed securely via our third-party payment gateways; we do not store full credit/debit card numbers), and order history.

• Wholesale & Commercial Due Diligence Data: Company registration number, VAT number, Alcohol Wholesale Registration Scheme (AWRS) URN, Premises License details, bank details, and trade references.

• Technical & Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device information, and browsing activity collected via cookies.

3. How We Use Your Data & Legal Basis

We process your personal data under the following legal bases:

1. Performance of a Contract: To fulfill retail or wholesale orders, process payments, arrange delivery, and manage customer service inquiries.

2. Legal & Regulatory Obligations: To perform mandatory age-verification checks under the Licensing Act 2003, conduct statutory wholesale due diligence under HMRC AWRS regulations, and retain financial transaction records.

3. Legitimate Interests: To improve our products and services, maintain website security, and communicate relevant B2B updates to commercial partners.

4. Consent: To send direct marketing communications (you may opt-out at any time via the unsubscribe link in our emails).

4. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell or lease your personal data. We only share data with trusted third parties where strictly necessary:

• Fulfillment & Logistics Partners: Delivery couriers and freight carriers.

• Payment Processors: Secure payment gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal, Shopify Payments).

• Identity & Compliance Verification Providers: Age-verification software and B2B due diligence database providers.

• Regulatory Authorities: HMRC, Trading Standards, or law enforcement where legally required.

5. Data Retention & Security

We retain your data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or to comply with statutory accounting and tax obligations (typically 6 years for transactional records). We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to prevent unauthorized access, loss, or disclosure of your data.

6. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.

• Request correction of inaccurate data.

• Request erasure of your data ("right to be forgotten"), subject to statutory record-keeping exceptions.

• Object to or restrict processing of your data.

• Withdraw marketing consent at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [Insert Email Address]. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.

 

 

 

Terms & Conditions

​

1. General Terms

This website is operated by The Drink Cellar Ltd. Throughout the site, the terms "we", "us" and "our" refer to The Drink Cellar Ltd. By accessing or purchasing from www.thedrinkcellar.com, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

2. Age Restrictions (Sale of Alcohol)

• Under the Licensing Act 2003, it is an offense to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol if you are under the age of 18, or to purchase alcohol on behalf of anyone under 18.

• By placing an order on our Site, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age.

• We reserve the right to use electronic age-verification checks prior to dispatching orders and to request valid photographic proof of age upon delivery (Challenge 25 policy).

3. Product Details & Availability

• All products offered on the Site are subject to availability.

• We take care to ensure product descriptions, imagery, ABV percentages, and pricing are accurate. However, minor variations in packaging design or batch characteristics may occur.

• We reserve the right to limit order quantities or refuse service to any customer at our discretion.

4. Pricing & Payment

• All retail prices are displayed in GBP (£) and are inclusive of UK VAT unless stated otherwise.

• Payments must be made in full at the time of order placement via our accepted payment methods.

• We reserve the right to update pricing at any time prior to order acceptance.

5. Intellectual Property

All content on this website—including brand names, trademarks, logos, copy, product designs, bottle artwork, and imagery—is the exclusive property of The Drink Cellar Ltd and is protected by UK and international intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction or commercial distribution is strictly prohibited.

6. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Drink Cellar Ltd shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of our website or products. Our total liability for any claim arising from an order shall not exceed the total purchase price of the items ordered.

7. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

​

​​​

 

 

Purchasing & Delivery Terms

​

1. Order Processing & Acceptance

• Placing an order on www.thedrinkcellar.com constitutes an offer to buy. Order confirmation emails signify receipt of your order, but contract formation occurs only when the goods are dispatched.

• We reserve the right to cancel any order prior to dispatch due to stock unavailability, age verification failure, or pricing errors.

2. Delivery Rates & Timelines

We ship across the UK mainland. Rates and estimated transit times are calculated at checkout based on order weight and destination:

• Standard UK Mainland Delivery: [2–4 working days]

• Express UK Mainland Delivery: [1–2 working days]

• Wholesale Freight/Pallet Delivery: Scheduled upon order confirmation (typically [3–5 working days]).

Note: Delivery times are estimates and may vary during peak seasonal periods or due to courier carrier delays beyond our control.

3. Age Verification Upon Delivery

• All deliveries containing alcohol require an adult (18+) signature upon receipt.

• Couriers operate a Challenge 25 policy. If the recipient appears under 25, valid photocard ID (Passport, UK Driving License, or PASS-accredited card) will be requested.

• If valid ID cannot be produced, the courier will retain the parcel, and the order will be returned to us. Re-delivery fees may apply.

4. Breakages, Damages & Shortages

Given the nature of bottled products, we take extreme care in specialized protective packaging. However, if an order arrives damaged:

1. Inspection: Inspect goods immediately upon arrival.

2. Reporting: Report damaged, broken, or missing items within 48 hours of receipt by emailing info@thedrinkcellar.com with your order number and clear photographic evidence of the packaging and damage.

3. Resolution: Upon verification, we will issue a replacement or refund for the affected item(s).

5. Consumer Cancellation & Returns (DTC Retail Customers)

Under the UK Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013:

• Cancellation Right: Retail consumers have the right to refund within 14 calendar days of receiving the goods.

• Condition of Goods: Due to hygiene, food safety, and liquid tamper-evident requirements, returned items must be unopened, sealed, intact, and in original packaging.

• Return Shipping: Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer, unless the item was sent in error or damaged upon arrival.

• Non-Returnable Items: Opened or unsealed bottles cannot be accepted for return or refund.

6. Wholesale & Commercial Returns (B2B)

• Returns for non-faulty wholesale orders are not accepted unless agreed in writing prior to return.

• Any accepted commercial returns may be subject to a restocking fee (e.g., 15%) and return transit costs.

​

​​

​

​

​

Trade Policy & Due Diligence

 

1. Overview & Regulatory Compliance

The Drink Cellar Ltd strictly adheres to UK excise and duty legislation governing the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages. Under the Alcohol Wholesale Registration Scheme (AWRS) introduced by HMRC, all commercial transactions involving the wholesale supply of alcohol are subject to stringent compliance checks.

2. HMRC AWRS Status

• The Drink Cellar Ltd is fully registered / authorized under HMRC’s Alcohol Wholesale Registration Scheme (AWRS).

• Unique Reference Number (URN): AWRS XAEW00000123733

• Trade buyers are required by law to verify our AWRS status prior to entering into a commercial trading relationship.

3. Commercial Onboarding & Due Diligence Requirements

To comply with HMRC regulations and mitigate supply chain risk, all new prospective wholesale and trade accounts must complete our Trade Customer Onboarding Form and provide the following documentation prior to account activation:

1. Company Details: Certificate of Incorporation (if limited company) or Proof of Sole Trader Status.

2. Licensing Compliance: A valid Premises License and/or Personal License number where alcohol will be resold or served to the end consumer.

3. AWRS Verification: If purchasing for onward wholesale distribution, proof of your active AWRS URN.

4. VAT & Tax Info: Valid UK VAT Registration Number (if applicable).

5. Trade References: Minimum of two established industry trade references.

4. Due Diligence Policy & Anti-Fraud Measures

The Drink Cellar Ltd maintains a strict "Know Your Customer" (KYC) policy. We perform regular risk assessments across all trade accounts:

• Trade Checks: We verify company registry details, bank accounts, and physical trading addresses.

• Payment Security: Payments must originate from a bank account held in the registered company's name. Cash payments above statutory limits or payments from unverified third-party accounts will not be accepted.

• Refusal of Supply: We reserve the right to suspend or terminate trading accounts, reject orders, or report suspicious transactions to HMRC if a buyer fails our due diligence criteria or cannot demonstrate legitimate supply chain practices.

5. Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) & Credit Terms

• MOQs: Wholesale pricing is subject to minimum order thresholds (specified by case size or pallet volume per SKU).

• Payment Terms: Initial orders are strictly on a pro-forma basis. Credit terms (e.g., 30 days net) may be extended subject to credit reference checks, trading history, and approval.