Terms of Service

Last updated: 18th August 2025

1. Introduction

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Smooth Balance website and services provided by Smooth Balance Limited, a company registered in Scotland (Company No. 37445678) with its registered office at 42 Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2PB, Scotland ("Company," "we," "our," or "us").

By accessing our website or booking our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our services.

2. Services

Smooth Balance provides premium whisky tasting experiences across Scotland, including:

• Guided distillery tours and tastings
• Private whisky experiences
• Educational masterclasses
• Customised whisky journeys
• Transportation and accommodation coordination (where applicable)

3. Booking and Payment

3.1 Reservations

All bookings are subject to availability and confirmation by Smooth Balance. A booking is confirmed only when you receive written confirmation from us, typically via email.

3.2 Payment Terms

• A deposit of 50% is required at the time of booking
• Full payment is due 14 days before the experience date
• We accept major credit cards and bank transfers
• All prices are in GBP and include VAT where applicable
• Prices are subject to change without notice until booking is confirmed

3.3 Group Bookings

Special terms may apply for groups of 8 or more participants. Please contact us for custom pricing and arrangements.

4. Cancellation and Refunds

4.1 Cancellation by Customer

• More than 30 days: Full refund minus £50 administration fee
• 15-30 days: 50% refund
• 7-14 days: 25% refund
• Less than 7 days: No refund

4.2 Cancellation by Smooth Balance

We reserve the right to cancel experiences due to:

• Adverse weather conditions
• Insufficient bookings (minimum 4 participants required)
• Circumstances beyond our control

In such cases, we will offer a full refund or alternative date.

4.3 Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for delays or cancellations due to acts of God, government restrictions, pandemics, strikes, or other circumstances beyond reasonable control.

5. Age Requirements and Responsible Service

5.1 Minimum Age

Participants must be at least 18 years old. Valid photo identification is required and will be checked before service of alcohol.

5.2 Responsible Drinking

• We promote responsible alcohol consumption
• We reserve the right to refuse service to intoxicated individuals
• Transportation is included in most experiences for safety
• Participants must not drive after consuming alcohol

6. Health and Safety

6.1 Health Conditions

Please inform us of any dietary requirements, allergies, or health conditions that may affect your participation. We cannot guarantee suitability for all medical conditions.

6.2 Participant Responsibility

• Follow all safety instructions provided by guides
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
• Remain with the group during guided tours
• Report any incidents or concerns immediately

6.3 Insurance

We maintain public liability insurance. Participants are responsible for their own travel and personal insurance.

7. Conduct and Behaviour

We expect all participants to:

• Treat staff, guides, and other participants with respect
• Follow distillery rules and regulations
• Not engage in disruptive or inappropriate behaviour
• Respect photography restrictions at distilleries

We reserve the right to remove participants who violate these standards without refund.

8. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, images, logos, and trademarks, is protected by intellectual property rights. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use our content without written permission.

9. Privacy and Data Protection

Your personal information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and UK data protection laws. By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 Exclusions

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we exclude liability for:

• Personal injury, loss, or damage not caused by our negligence
• Indirect, consequential, or special damages
• Loss of profits, business, or opportunity
• Actions of third parties, including distilleries

10.2 Maximum Liability

Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount paid by you for the specific experience.

11. Website Terms

11.1 Acceptable Use

You may use our website for lawful purposes only. Prohibited activities include:

• Attempting to gain unauthorised access
• Transmitting malicious code or content
• Interfering with website functionality
• Using automated systems to access content

11.2 Content Accuracy

While we strive for accuracy, information on our website may contain errors. We reserve the right to correct information and prices without notice.

12. Third-Party Services

Our experiences may include services provided by third parties (distilleries, restaurants, transportation providers). We are not responsible for the quality or performance of third-party services, though we will assist with any issues that arise.

13. Modifications to Terms

We may update these Terms periodically. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. We will notify customers of significant changes via email or website notice.

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by Scottish law. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Scottish courts.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or our services, please contact us:

17. Complaints

We are committed to providing excellent service. If you have any complaints, please contact us immediately. We will investigate all complaints promptly and work to resolve any issues.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact relevant trade associations or regulatory bodies.