Choosealocal — Cookie Policy
Version 3.0 · effective 03/08/2026
Effective Date: 3 August 2026
About Cookies
Choosealocal ("Choosealocal", "we", "us") uses cookies and similar technologies on choosealocal.co.uk to operate the site and, with your consent, to understand usage and support marketing.
Cookies are small files stored on your device. We use them in accordance with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) and UK GDPR.
This policy sits alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains the technical data we collect and how long we keep it.
Categories of Cookies
Strictly necessary cookies
Required for the site to work — security, sign-in sessions, and remembering your cookie choice. These are always on and do not require consent, because the site cannot function without them.
| Cookie | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|
hah_access_token |
Keeps you signed in (short-lived session token) | About 15 minutes, renewed while you use the site |
hah_refresh_token |
Renews your session without re-entering your password | Up to 14 days, or 30 days with "remember me"; admin sessions end when the browser closes |
cl_cookie_consent |
Remembers your cookie choice | 12 months, shared across choosealocal.co.uk subdomains |
Matching security (CSRF) cookies accompany the sign-in cookies to protect signed-in requests. They carry no personal data.
Analytical cookies (consent required)
Help us understand how visitors use the site so we can improve performance and content. Not set unless you accept them.
We currently use:
| Provider | Domain | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | google-analytics.com | Measures how visitors use the site (pages viewed, journeys, time on page) so we can improve content and performance. |
Marketing cookies (consent required)
Used to measure and tailor marketing and to make any advertising more relevant. Not set unless you accept them.
We currently use:
| Provider | Domain | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Google Ads | googleadservices.com | Measures advertising performance and helps show relevant ads to people who have visited the site. |
Managing Your Choices
When you first visit, a banner lets you Accept, Decline, or Manage settings for the analytical and marketing categories.
You can change your choice at any time through Manage cookie settings in the consent panel. Withdrawing consent is as easy as giving it. Strictly necessary cookies cannot be switched off.
Declining or later withdrawing consent does not affect your ability to use the site or browse the directory.
You can also block or delete cookies through your browser settings, though this may stop parts of the site working.
How We Record Your Choice
When you set a cookie preference we record the choice itself, the version of the banner you were shown, the wording presented to you, and the time it was given. This is how we evidence your preference and honour it on future visits.
We ask again periodically — and at least every 12 months — so your choice stays current. We will also re-ask if the providers in any category change.
Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are set by third parties, for example analytics or advertising providers. Those providers are named above and in the Manage settings panel of the consent banner.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties. Please refer to their own policies for how they use the data they collect.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Each version is retained, and the version in force when you gave consent is recorded against that consent. Updates are posted on this page.
Contact
Choosealocal
Email: [email protected]
If you are unhappy with how we handle cookies or your data, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113.
Last updated: 3 August 2026
ICO Registration: ICO:00014972833