Customers are handing over too much data when ordering food and drinks in pubs, the body overseeing data privacy has warned.

       Ordering on apps at venues has become common during the pandemic, but the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) says customers need to make sure they are aware what is happening to their personal data so they can decide if they are happy about it.

       Businesses should only collect personal data that was “necessary, relevant and not excessive”, the ICO said.

       Paul Arnold, the deputy chief executive of the ICO, said: “It’s about getting the balance right – people are excited to be going out again and the innovations that have emerged through the pandemic can make that experience safer, easier and more enjoyable.

       “But you shouldn’t have to give up too much of your personal data to order a pizza or a pint. Businesses should keep it simple, fair and transparent.”

       Online ordering through apps is now widespread in restaurants, bars and pubs across the UK, apart from Northern Ireland, where being served at a table is still a requirement.

       Many businesses including the UK’s largest pub chains – Wetherspoons, Greene King, Mitchells and Butlers and Stonegate – are continuing to use in-house apps alongside their bar service.

       Last month when Covid restrictions were lifted across the UK, Wetherspoons urged drinkers to keep using its app rather than ordering at the bar to “reduce contacts”.

       Businesses wanting to order using apps must comply with data protection law and e-privacy law (the regulation for electronic communications).

       The IOC advises customers to check the privacy notice of the ordering app to find out what the business intends to do with their data, who is collecting information, what it is going to be used for, and whether it will be shared.