TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Effective Date: 16/01/2026
Last Update: 15/01/2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 1. Agreement to Terms
- 2. Definitions
- 3. Eligibility and Account Creation
- 4. User Representations and Warranties
- 5. Acceptable Use Policy
- 6. User-Generated Content
- 7. Intellectual Property Rights
- 8. Service Description and Scope
- 9. Restrictions and Prohibited Conduct
- 10. Payment and Billing
- 11. Cancellation and Refunds
- 12. Reservation Policies
- 13. Ratings and Reviews
- 14. Warranty Disclaimer
- 15. Limitation of Liability
- 16. Indemnification
- 17. Confidentiality
- 18. Modifications to Terms and Services
- 19. Termination of Account
- 20. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration
- 21. Governing Law
- 22. Severability
- 23. Contact Information
- 24. Venue-Specific Rules and Promotions
- 25. Responsible Drinking and Age Verification
1. Agreement to Terms
These Terms and Conditions, together with the Privacy Policy, Cookie Statement, and any other policies made available on the Platform (collectively, the "Terms"), constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User") and TheStraw, Inc.
By accessing or using the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not access or use the Platform.
2. Definitions
- Account: A personal user account created on the Platform.
- Bar / Venue / Establishment: Any licensed bar or similar venue listed on the Platform.
- Guest: A user who searches for and makes Reservations.
- Venue Partner: An entity representing a Venue listed on the Platform.
- Reservation: A confirmed booking for a specific Venue and time slot.
- Services: All features offered through the Platform.
- Special Offer: Discounts or time-based drink promotions.
- User Content: Content submitted by Users, including reviews and images.
3. Eligibility and Account Creation
3.1 Eligibility Requirements
Use of the Platform is subject to the following eligibility requirements:
- You are at least 18 years old or the legal drinking age in your jurisdiction.
- You have legal capacity to enter binding agreements.
- You are not located in a jurisdiction where TheStraw is prohibited.
- You have not previously violated these Terms or been banned from the Platform.
- As a Guest, any Reservations you make are legitimate and for lawful purposes.
3.2 Account Registration
To access certain Services, you must create an Account by providing accurate, current, and complete information. You agree to:
- Maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials.
- Accept responsibility for all activities conducted under your Account.
- Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or use.
- Update your information to keep it accurate and current.
3.3 Account Termination by User
You may close your Account at any time through the Platform settings. Upon Account closure:
- You will no longer have access to our Services.
- Any pending Reservations will be cancelled.
- Any accumulated loyalty credits or rewards will be forfeited.
- Your data will be retained as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.
3.4 Venue Partner Requirements
Venue Partners must provide verifiable business documentation, licensing information (including alcohol licence details), tax information, and proof of authorization to represent the Venue. We reserve the right to verify this information before activating a Venue Partner Account.
4. User Representations and Warranties
By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that:
- All information you provide is accurate, truthful, and current.
- You are of legal drinking age in the jurisdiction where you intend to consume alcohol.
- You own or have authorization to use any content you submit.
- Your use of the Platform complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
- You will not violate the rights of third parties, including intellectual property rights.
- You are not engaged in any fraudulent, illegal, or misleading activity.
- You are not subject to any trade restrictions or sanctions.
- If you are a Venue Partner, your Venue meets all health, safety, and licensing requirements, including a valid alcohol licence.
5. Acceptable Use Policy
You agree not to:
- Violate laws or third-party rights.
- Engage in harassment, abuse, discrimination, or threatening behavior toward other users or Venue staff.
- Transmit viruses, malware, or any code that could damage the Platform.
- Scrape, crawl, or systematically extract data without written permission.
- Circumvent security measures or access restricted areas.
- Impersonate any person or entity.
- Create multiple Accounts to circumvent restrictions or manipulate ratings.
- Engage in commercial activity, spam, or unsolicited promotion (except as a registered Venue Partner).
- Resell or redistribute access to the Platform.
- Publish or distribute another user's private information without consent.
- Attempt to exploit or manipulate special offers or promotions.
- Make Reservations with no intent to visit the Venue or for competitive intelligence purposes.
- Request or consume alcohol if you are intoxicated, under the influence of drugs, or otherwise in a condition that would make your consumption of alcohol dangerous or illegal.
6. User-Generated Content
6.1 License Grant
By submitting User Content to the Platform, you grant TheStraw a non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, distribute, and display your User Content on the Platform and in our marketing materials.
6.2 Reviews and Ratings
If you post a review or rating on the Platform, you agree that:
- Reviews must be based on genuine personal experience with the Venue.
- You will not post false, misleading, defamatory, or obscene content.
- You will not post reviews on behalf of competitors or for financial incentive.
- You will not organize or encourage campaigns for positive or negative reviews.
- You will not disclose confidential information about the Venue.
- You will not include contact information, links, or promotional content.
- Reviews must not contain references to illegal activity or unsubstantiated legal conclusions.
- We may verify your Reservation to confirm a genuine visit.
6.3 Content Moderation
We reserve the right to:
- Review, edit, or remove any User Content that violates these Terms.
- Remove content in our sole discretion without liability or notice.
- Suspend or terminate your Account if you repeatedly violate content policies.
- Disclose User Content if required by law or to protect our legal rights.
7. Intellectual Property Rights
7.1 TheStraw Content
All content on the Platform—including logos, text, graphics, images, software, functionality, and design—is the exclusive property of TheStraw or our licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without written permission.
7.2 Limited License
We grant you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Platform for your personal, non-commercial purposes, subject to these Terms.
8. Service Description and Scope
8.1 Services Provided
TheStraw provides a digital marketplace connecting Guests with Venues for the purpose of discovering bars and booking time-based drink discount slots. Our Services include:
- Discovery of Venues through search and filtering.
- Real-time availability checking for discount slots.
- Reservation booking and management.
- Payment processing (where applicable).
- Ratings and review functionality (where applicable).
- Special offers and promotional features.
- Customer support.
8.2 Third-Party Services
TheStraw integrates with third-party payment processors, venue management systems, and other service providers. We are not responsible for their performance, security breaches, or policy violations. Use of third-party services is subject to their terms of service.
8.3 Service Modifications
We may, at our discretion and without liability, modify, suspend, or discontinue any features or Services with or without notice. We are not liable for any loss or inconvenience caused by these modifications.
9. Restrictions and Prohibited Conduct
9.1 General Restrictions
You may not:
- Access the Platform through unauthorized means or automated tools.
- Interfere with the Platform's operation or security.
- Reverse engineer, decompile, or attempt to discover the Platform's source code.
- Use the Platform to test competitor systems or services.
- Alter, remove, or obscure any legal notices or proprietary markings.
- Sell, license, or transfer your Account or any rights to it.
- Harvest, collect, or use personal information about other users without consent.
9.2 Venue Partner Restrictions
If you are a Venue Partner, you further agree not to:
- List Venues on behalf of third parties without authorization.
- Manipulate availability, pricing, or special offers to mislead Guests.
- Accept Reservations while unable to fulfill them (where applicable).
- Charge Guests fees not clearly disclosed on the Platform.
- Prioritize or deprioritize Guests based on reservation method.
- Withdraw special offers retroactively without notice, except as allowed in Section 24.
- Use the Platform to collect customer data for external marketing without appropriate consent.
- Engage in unfair or deceptive pricing practices.
- Serve alcohol to Guests who are visibly intoxicated or underage.
10. Cancellation and Refunds
10.1 Reservation Cancellations
Guest Cancellations: Guests may cancel Reservations up to the timeframe specified by the Venue (typically 2-24 hours before the reservation time), as displayed at booking. Late cancellations may be subject to loss of any applicable discounts.
Venue Cancellations: Venues must provide reasonable notice if cancelling an Accepted Reservation and should act fairly toward Guests, which may include offering alternative times or equivalent promotions where appropriate.
10.2 No-Show and Grace Period
Venues may enforce a grace period policy. If you do not arrive within the grace period communicated at booking (minimum 15 minutes unless otherwise stated), the Venue may:
- Cancel your Reservation.
- Cancel or modify any associated discount or Special Offer.
- Apply any no-show fees disclosed at the time of booking.
Repeated no-shows or late cancellations may result in restricted access to future slots or temporary suspension of your Account.
10.3 Refund Policy
Refunds are handled according to the Venue's individual policy, which is displayed at booking. TheStraw is not responsible for refunds owed by Venues. Disputes should be directed to the relevant Venue, with TheStraw support available to assist in good-faith mediation.
10.4 Special Offer Refunds
Special Offer discounts cannot be refunded after redemption. Unused promotional credits expire according to terms displayed at issuance.
11. Reservation Policies
11.1 Reservation Confirmation
Reservations are only confirmed when both the Guest and Venue have accepted the booking through the Platform. TheStraw acts as a facilitator, not a party to the reservation contract between you and the Venue.
11.2 Discount Slots and Duration
For time-based discount slots:
- Discounts are valid only during the specific time slot indicated in your Reservation.
- Discounts end exactly at the slot end time, regardless of your arrival time.
- Venues may require that the last order for discounted drinks be placed a few minutes before the slot ends (as specified in the Venue Rules shown at booking).
- Any drinks ordered outside the slot period may be charged at full price.
11.3 Capacity and Availability
Venues are responsible for maintaining accurate availability information. While we implement systems to help prevent overbooking, we do not guarantee perfect accuracy. Venues must make reasonable efforts to honor Confirmed Reservations or provide alternative accommodations (according to the restrictions indicated during the booking process).
11.4 Special Requests
Special requests (seating preferences, accessibility needs, celebrations, etc.) are made through the Platform but are not guaranteed. TheStraw does not guarantee that Venues will honor such requests.
12. Ratings and Reviews
12.1 Review Authenticity
We employ systems to detect and remove fraudulent, manipulated, or fake reviews. Users posting inauthentic reviews may face Account suspension or termination.
12.2 Star Ratings
Star ratings are calculated based on verified Guest reviews. Ratings directly impact Venue visibility and reputation.
12.3 Review Disputes
Venues may request review removal if they believe a review violates these Terms. We will investigate and remove reviews that are:
- Factually unverifiable or based on false premises.
- Defamatory, obscene, or harassing.
- From users without verified Reservations.
- Promotional content for competitors.
12.4 Response to Reviews
Venues may respond to reviews publicly. Responses must be professional and factual.
13. Warranty Disclaimer
13.1 As-Is Service
THE PLATFORM, SERVICES, AND ALL CONTENT ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS-IS", "AS-AVAILABLE", AND "WITH ALL FAULTS" BASIS. THESTRAW MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, REGARDING THE PLATFORM OR SERVICES.
13.2 Disclaimed Warranties
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THESTRAW DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING:
- Implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.
- Warranties of accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of content.
- Warranties that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure.
- Warranties regarding the quality, reliability, or performance of Venues or beverages served.
13.3 No Warranty of Accuracy
TheStraw does not warrant that:
- Venue information (hours, drink menus, pricing) is current or accurate.
- Special Offers are available at all times.
- Availability information is always correct.
- Reservations will be honored by Venues.
- User reviews are truthful or reliable.
13.4 Third-Party Services
TheStraw is not responsible for the performance, security, or practices of third-party payment processors, venue systems, or other integrations.
14. Limitation of Liability
14.1 Limitation of Direct Damages
EXCEPT WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW, THESTRAW'S TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT YOU PAID THESTRAW IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR £100 GBP / $100 USD, WHICHEVER IS GREATER
14.2 Exclusion of Consequential Damages
IN NO EVENT SHALL THESTRAW BE LIABLE FOR:
- Lost profits, revenue, or data.
- Indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages.
- Damages arising from unauthorized access, viruses, or system failures.
- Loss of business opportunity or reputation.
- Personal injury, illness, or harm related to alcohol consumption or visits to any Venue.
- Any damages arising from third-party conduct or Venue performance.
14.3 Essential Element
You acknowledge that this limitation of liability is essential to our ability to offer the Platform at the stated price and terms.
15. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless TheStraw, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including attorney's fees) arising from:
- Your use of the Platform in violation of these Terms.
- Your User Content or submissions.
- Your violation of any law or third-party rights.
- Disputes between you and other users or Venues.
- Injuries, illness, or damages arising from visiting any Venue or consuming alcohol.
- Your violation of any Venue's policies.
16. Confidentiality
You agree to keep confidential any non-public information shared by TheStraw, including features under development, pricing information, and proprietary algorithms. This obligation survives termination of your Account.
17. Modifications to Terms and Services
17.1 Changes to Terms
TheStraw may modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of material changes via email or through the Platform. Continued use of the Platform after notice constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
17.2 Changes to Services
We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any Services or features with or without notice. We are not liable for consequences of these changes.
18. Termination of Account
18.1 Termination by User
You may terminate your Account at any time by accessing Account settings or contacting support.
18.2 Termination by TheStraw
We may suspend or terminate your Account immediately, without notice or explanation, if we believe you:
- Have violated these Terms.
- Have engaged in fraudulent or illegal conduct.
- Pose a risk to other users or the Platform.
- Have violated Venue policies repeatedly.
- Are non-responsive to multiple violations or warnings.
18.3 Effects of Termination
- Your access to the Platform ends immediately.
- Pending Reservations will be cancelled.
- Accumulated credits or rewards will be forfeited.
- Your data will be retained as required by law or our legitimate business needs.
- Provisions that survive termination remain in effect.
19. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration
19.1 Informal Resolution
Before initiating formal proceedings, you agree to contact TheStraw support to attempt good-faith resolution of any dispute.
19.2 Arbitration
EXCEPT FOR CLAIMS THAT CANNOT BE ARBITRATED, YOU AND THESTRAW AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE ARISING FROM THESE TERMS OR THE PLATFORM SHALL BE RESOLVED BY BINDING ARBITRATION BEFORE A SINGLE ARBITRATOR, NOT BY LITIGATION IN COURT.
19.3 Arbitration Rules
Each party bears its own costs unless the arbitrator awards costs to the prevailing party.
19.4 Class Action Waiver
YOU WAIVE THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS OR CLASS ARBITRATIONS AGAINST THESTRAW.
19.5 Exceptions
The following disputes are NOT subject to arbitration:
- Intellectual property infringement claims.
- Claims for injunctive relief to prevent harm.
- Small claims court proceedings (if permitted locally).
20. Governing Law
Any proceedings shall be held in the courts of England and Wales, and you consent to personal jurisdiction there.
21. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
22. Contact Information
22.1 Support and Inquiries
For questions about these Terms, the Platform, or to report violations:
TheStraw Support
Email: contact@thestraw.app
Website: www.thestraw.app
Address:
22.2 Legal Notices
Legal notices should be sent to:
TheStraw Legal
Email: contact@thestraw.app
23. Venue-Specific Rules and Promotions
23.1 Venue Rules
Each Venue may publish its own rules and conditions (the "Venue Rules") for Reservations and Special Offers. By making a Reservation or redeeming a Special Offer, you agree to comply with the applicable Venue Rules displayed in the app at the time of booking. Venue Rules may include, without limitation:
- No guarantee of seating or specific tables; you may be served at the bar or in standing areas.
- Discounts valid only during the booked time slot and only on selected drinks (for example, specific beers, house wines, well spirits, or classic cocktails).
- Exclusion of certain items such as premium or top-shelf spirits, bottles, magnums, shots, bombs, pitchers, or non-alcoholic drinks.
- Requirement that discounts apply only when the bill is paid together in a single check; separate bills may not be eligible for the discount.
- Requirement that the last order for discounted drinks be placed a specified number of minutes before the slot ends.
- Minimum or maximum group sizes per booking.
23.2 Priority of Venue Rules
If there is any conflict between (a) general promotional text in the Platform and (b) the specific Venue Rules displayed at the time of your booking, the Venue Rules will prevail for that Reservation. This ensures that both Guests and Venues have clear, predictable terms for each visit.
23.3 Modification or Cancellation of Offers
A Venue may cancel or modify a Special Offer or time-based discount slot in limited circumstances, such as:
- Private events or full venue hire.
- Operational, staffing, or safety issues.
- Errors in the configuration of the offer.
Guests will be informed as soon as possible, and affected Reservations will be honoured where reasonably practicable.
23.4 Non-Combination with Other Promotions
Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the Venue Rules, Special Offers and discount slots available through TheStraw:
- Cannot be combined with other promotions, happy hours, vouchers, or loyalty programmes operated by the Venue or third parties.
- May not be applied retroactively to past visits or receipts.
This protects Guests from unexpected conditions while allowing Venues to manage their overall promotion strategy.
24. Responsible Drinking and Age Verification
24.1 Legal Drinking Age
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal drinking age in your jurisdiction, whichever is higher) to create an Account and make Reservations through the Platform. By using the Platform, you confirm that you meet this requirement.
24.2 ID Verification at Venues
Venues may require valid photo identification to verify your age before serving alcohol. Having a confirmed Reservation through TheStraw is not proof of age. If you cannot provide valid ID, the Venue may refuse service and any associated discount will be forfeited.
24.3 Responsible Service of Alcohol
TheStraw supports the responsible consumption of alcohol. In accordance with applicable alcohol licensing laws:
- Venues retain the right and obligation to refuse service to any Guest who appears intoxicated or is behaving in a disorderly manner.
- Guests agree not to request or consume alcohol if they are intoxicated, under the influence of drugs, or otherwise in a condition that would make consumption dangerous or illegal.
- Discounts or Special Offers never require a Venue to serve alcohol contrary to law or its own responsible-service policies.
- Management reserves the right to refuse service in line with local licensing laws and public safety requirements.
24.4 Venue House Policies
Venues may implement additional house policies, including but not limited to:
- Dress codes.
- Random search policies.
- Zero-tolerance policies on drugs or prohibited substances.
- CCTV monitoring.
24.5 Guest Responsibility
You acknowledge that:
- You are solely responsible for your own alcohol consumption and behaviour while at any Venue.
- TheStraw is not liable for any injury, illness, or harm arising from your consumption of alcohol or your conduct at a Venue.
- You will drink responsibly and arrange safe transportation home.
Final Provision
Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, constitute the entire agreement between you and TheStraw regarding your use of the Platform and supersede all prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements. If you have any concerns about these Terms, please contact us before using the Platform.
Last Updated: January 15, 2026
Effective Date: January 17, 2026