Cookie policy

What cookies and browser storage do

A cookie is a small item of information stored by your browser and sent back to a website on later requests. Local storage keeps information in your browser without sending it automatically with each request. Both can remember settings or support website functions.

Essential session cookie

Name: PHPSESSID, using the current server’s default PHP session cookie name.
Purpose: Maintains a website session, supports form security and submission messages, and limits rapid repeated enquiries. It also supports authentication when a member of staff signs in to the website management system.
Provider: This website.
Duration: A session cookie, normally removed when the browser session ends. Browser session-restoration settings can affect this behaviour.

The session cookie is used for website functions rather than advertising. It does not contain the text of your enquiry. Blocking it may prevent forms or staff sign-in from working correctly.

Remembering your cookie choice

Name: qbit-tracking-choice.
Type: Local storage, rather than a cookie.
Purpose: Remembers whether you selected Essential only or accepted optional cookies. It also records the configured tracking identifiers so a changed configuration can trigger a new choice.
Provider: This website.
Duration: The website treats the preference as valid for 180 days. The stored entry can remain in your browser until replaced or cleared, but an expired preference is no longer accepted.

Optional analytics and advertising

Google Analytics and Meta Pixel are not configured on the current local website. The cookie banner supports these tools, but accepting optional cookies does not load them while their identifiers are empty.

If configured later, Google Analytics can measure page visits and interactions, and Meta Pixel can measure advertising activity. The current implementation only loads these integrations after you accept optional cookies. The policy should be updated with the enabled providers, storage names and durations before they are introduced.

The website also maintains its own server-side page-view reporting. That reporting is separate from optional Google Analytics and Meta Pixel and is described in the privacy policy. Choosing Essential only does not switch off server-side records.

Embedded maps and fonts

The site loads Google Fonts and embeds Google Maps on the homepage and contact page. These requests share technical connection information with Google. Google Maps may use its own cookies or similar storage according to your Google account and browser settings.

The current cookie banner controls Google Analytics and Meta Pixel integrations; it does not prevent Google Fonts or embedded Google Maps from loading. Google’s information about its use of cookies is available at https://policies.google.com/technologies/cookies. You can also use the external directions link instead of interacting with the embedded map.

Changing your choice

Select Cookie settings to reopen the banner. Choose Essential only to refuse the optional integrations, or Accept optional cookies to allow any configured integrations. When optional tracking was already running, choosing Essential only reloads the page so the site stops loading it.

Changing your choice does not automatically remove cookies previously set by an external provider. You can clear them using your browser’s privacy settings. Clearing this website’s local storage removes the remembered preference, so the banner will ask again.

Browser controls

Your browser can show, delete or block cookies and clear site data. Consult its help or privacy settings for the steps. Blocking all cookies may affect forms and other essential functions. Private-browsing modes may clear the session and stored preferences when the window closes.

Contact and related information

For questions, contact kate@theretreatlaserclinic.co.uk or telephone 07967 107313. The privacy policy explains how enquiries and website information are handled.