Terms of Service

2. Description of Service

whitstable.shop is a community-driven platform that provides:

• A directory of local shops and businesses in Whitstable
• User-generated reviews and ratings
• Photo sharing and competition features
• Community Q&A and local tips
• Event listings and charity information

3. User Accounts

When you create an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information
• Maintain the security of your account credentials
• Be at least 16 years of age
• Accept responsibility for all activity under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorised use

4. User Content

You retain ownership of content you submit but grant us a licence to use it. You agree not to post content that:

• Is false, misleading, or defamatory
• Infringes on intellectual property rights
• Contains hate speech or harassment
• Promotes illegal activities
• Contains spam or advertising
• Violates anyone's privacy

We reserve the right to remove content that violates these guidelines without notice.

5. Business Listings

Business owners who claim their listing agree to:

• Verify ownership through our verification process
• Keep business information accurate and up-to-date
• Respond professionally to customer reviews
• Not manipulate reviews or ratings
• Not post fake reviews for their own or competitors' businesses

6. Reviews & Ratings

When writing reviews, you agree to:

• Base reviews on genuine personal experiences
• Be fair, honest, and constructive
• Not accept payment for reviews
• Disclose any personal connections to businesses
• Not submit multiple reviews for the same business

7. Prohibited Activities

You may not:

• Use automated systems to access the Service
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems
• Interfere with or disrupt the Service
• Collect user information without consent
• Impersonate others or create fake accounts
• Use the Service for commercial purposes without permission

8. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at our discretion if you violate these Terms. You may delete your account at any time through your profile settings. Upon termination, your right to use the Service ceases immediately.

9. Disclaimer

The Service is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee the accuracy of business information or user content. We are not responsible for any decisions made based on information found on our platform.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, we shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Service.

11. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.