Rules & regulations
ARTICLE 1: DEFINITION AND OBJECTIVES
1. The London Tasting Awards hereafter called the "Competition" is a wine, beer and spirits hereafter called the "Products" competition with previously registered Products which are eligible to be granted an award based on their quality.
2. The Competition is organised by Armonia Group UK LTD located at Becket House 1 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EU, United Kingdom, hereafter called "the Organisation" and shall takes place in London.
3. The objectives of the Competition are:
- to promote knowledge of Products of outstanding quality to the public,
- to take consumers' tastes into account more by inviting experienced amateurs to be part of its juries,
- to help consumers choose better Products. "
ARTICLE 2: PRODUCTS ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE
WINE COMPETITION: any wines in the world, with or without a geographical denomination, is allowed to register: still wines, liqueur wines, sparkling and semi-sparkling wines. Each wine must comply with current regulations in its country of origin.
All these products must be destined for sale and come from a homogeneous batch. A homogeneous batch is defined as a set of sales units of a packaged Product or of containers of a bulk Product which has been produced and, where applicable, packaged under practically identical conditions and which has similar organoleptic and analytical characteristics. Any vintages may be entered into the Competition.
BEER COMPETITION: Any drinks in the world being sold a ""Beer"", can register.
SPIRITS COMPETITION: Any spirits, brandy or liqueur in the world can register."
ARTICLE 3: PROFESSIONALS AUTHORISED TO PRESENT PRODUCTS
1. The following professionals, hereafter called the Participant(s), are authorised to participate:
WINE COMPETITION: winemakers, cooperatives, associated cooperatives, groups of producers, producers, merchants, importers, retailers.
BEER COMPETITION: brewers, commercial agents, manufacturers, importers, retailers.
SPIRITS COMPETITION: producers, groups of producers, distillers, commercial agents, manufacturers, importers, retailers.
2. Samples may be presented by their owner or any natural person or entity duly authorised by the owner. "
ARTICLE 4: PRESENTATION OF SAMPLES
Each sample submitted must meet the following conditions:
- come from a homogeneous batch
- be identifiable
- have a sales label. Sales labels should compply with current regulations in the country where they are made, and as well as with British importing regulations.
Participants must guarantee that the Products are safe to consume and comply with relevant legal and national regulations.
ARTICLE 5: SENDING SAMPLES
The number of samples requested depends on the product category.
This information is provided at www.londontastingawards.com, hereafter called the ""Website"" and on the shipping documents.
Samples should arrive at the Organisation 'with postage’ shipping, customs duties and taxes paid by the sender. Bottles shall be sent at the Participant’s expense and at his or her own risk. Upon reception, samples become the property of the Competition. Where applicable, the Organisation will invoice the participant for any taxes and customs duties payable. Any sample sent that has not had all relevant shipping costs paid for will be refused. Samples received that do not correspond to registration information or were not previously registered will not be presented for tasting and will remain the property of the Competition. Furthermore, the Organisation cannot be held responsible in the event of theft, loss, delay or damage in the delivery of the samples.
The participant guarantees that he or she has taken all the necessary HACCP measures required to maintain food hygiene and guarantee the safety of products sent to the Competition.
ARTICLE 6: REGISTRATION RULES
The Participant must provide the information required to open an account. He or she must also complete a registration form, called a product form, for each product submitted. This may be done by post or online.
Registration by post: The completed participant form and product form(s) should be sent to the address indicated on the Website and on the shipping documents. Forms are available on the Website or upon request.
Online registration:
a) The Participant must open an account on the Website. He or she will then have a personal account that can be used to present products. There is no charge for opening an account.
b) A form must be completed on the Website for each product submitted. This form is available on the Website from the Participant’s personal account.
2. Registration fees must be paid in accordance with provisions laid down in article 7. Payment methods are also described in detail in article 7.
3. The information on both forms is binding to the person who provided it..
4. Participants must indicate if they have any direct or indirect links with a taster on a jury so that the Organisation can make sure this taster does not judge the Participant’s products.
5. A Product with a name that is sexist, racist, discriminatory or degrading to an individual, the Competition or the industry will not be accepted to compete and will not be able to use the distinction even if it had obtained it under a different name.
6. Any attempt to cheat, falsify or even deceive in the presentation of products, for whatever reason, will be prosecuted in the competent courts.
ARTICLE 7: REGISTRATION FEES
1. The registration fees are indicated on the participant form and on the Website. They are given in GBP and are the same for all countries.
2. The payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card.
Participants who are in the United Kingdom will have to pay VAT at the UK rate.
The choice of payment method for the registration fees is made online in the participant’s personal account, after having completed the product registration process. Credit card payment is made via a secure online payment system (Visa, Mastercard).
The Organisation is not responsible for paying bank fees. Credit cards are charged on the day the registration is recorded.
Payment should be made to ""the Organisation"
Participants shall receive an invoice by email. If the Participant does not have an email account, the invoice will be sent by post, if requested.
3. Registration fees cannot be reimbursed if, for example, samples or forms arrive after the deadline, if the product does not receive a prize, or if the registration is cancelled for any reason.
4. If registration fees for a product have not been paid, the sample will not be allowed to take part in the Competition.
ARTICLE 8: CALENDAR
Opening and closing dates for registration, as well as the deadline for receiving samples, can be obtained from the Competition by simple request. This information also can be found on the Website. Tastings may be scheduled on other dates at other venues in addition to the date and place indicated on the Website or in documents.
ARTICLE 9: FORCE MAJEURE
Force majeure is defined as: an epidemic, fire, natural catastrophe, strike, terrorist act or exceptional circumstances that the Organiser’s cannot control that prevents the Competition from happening as planned.
In such a case the Competition reserves the right to cancel the selection, change the place or dates initially planned, shorten or lengthen the Competition, and/or modify its conditions or execution.
If an edition of the Competition is purely and simply cancelled, or if there are modifications such as those described above, the Participant shall not hold the Competition responsible in any way, and registration fees and samples that have already been sent shall remain the property of the Competition.
The Competition may have to ask for samples to be sent again in such cases.
ARTICLE 10: CONTROL OF SAMPLES RECEIVED
The Organisation verifies the receipt of samples with the registration form. Attention must be paid to the correct use of appellations of origin and geographic indications. Samples which do not respect of these rules shall be rejected.
ARTICLE 11: CLASSIFICATION AND ORGANISATION OF SAMPLES PRESENTED
Samples are classified by category based on the registration documents. A category includes samples with the same characteristics, because such products can be compared.
ARTICLE 12: DESIGNATION OF JURORS
1. Juries are composed of jurors who are designated and called directly by the Organisation.
2. The samples shall be evaluated by juries, whose numbers shall be set according to the number and the nature of products presented at the Competition.
3. For each category the jury will be composed of professionals in the sector and knowledgeable amateurs whose skills have been verified beforehand by the Organisation.
4. The Organisation has the right to disqualify any juror to avoid having a competitor judge his or her own products, or for any other reason. They are not required to disclose the reason for dismissing the juror.
5. If one or more members of the jury are absent on the day of the tasting, the Organisation may designate substitute jurors.
6. Jurors’ names are confidential. Their personal data is not communicated to any third parties.
7. Legal proceedings may not be brought against the Organisation as a result of their choice of tasters. Tasters have sovereignty. Their marks cannot be contested.
8. The Organisation shall ask jury members to submit a declaration indicating any direct or indirect ties they may have with any companies, establishments, professional organisations, or associations whose activities, products or interests may be related to Products presented in the Competition.
ARTICLE 13: PRESIDENCY OF JURIES
The Organisation appoints a jury president. The president makes sure the tasting is carried out properly, and in particular that all samples remain anonymous. He or she shall make sure the marking sheet is used when samples are judged. He or she shall preside over the collection of marking sheets. Juries are placed under his or her responsibility.
ARTICLE 14: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ORGANISATION
1. If an event that cannot be attributed to the Organisation, or that is the result of a force majeure, prevents the tasting from being carried out properly, the Organisation cannot be held responsible in any way or for any consequences that a Participant might invoke.
2. The Organisation ensures correct preparations, examination of samples and communication of the results as well as constant evaluation of the jurors. The Organisation shall endeavour:
- to oversee the anonymity of samples submitted to the jurors as well as the secrecy of the results until the end of the Competition,
- to oversee the organisation of the tasting is it responsible for before the juries are made,
- to verify the order the samples are presented,
- to oversee the opening of the samples, their identity and their anonymity for the members of the jury,
- to control the examination of the results: distribution and collection of score sheets, calculations, posting of the results,
- to organise a session for all jurors to explain how the score sheet should be used."
ARTICLE 15: GENERAL FUNCTIONING OF THE JURIES
1. Discipline
1.1 A data sheet of samples presented and corresponding score sheets or the appropriate IT support shall be provided to the jurors. Technical indications related to samples shall be indicated on the score. When the sheets are returned, the name of the juror or his or her identification shall be included on the score sheets.
1.2 Staff members who collect the sheets shall ensure that score sheets have been filled in properly.
1.3 Duplicates of score sheets shall not be left with the jurors.
1.4 Smoking is forbidden and the juries must avoid using any perfume which may affect the sessions. Mobile phones must also be turned off.
2. Material functioning
2.1 Samples are numbered, uncapped and uncorked, then recorked anonymously and covered with opaque wine socks. The Organisation will take all necessary measures to ensure that samples submitted for tasting remain entirely anonymous. They may proceed to transfer the product to another container, change or mask the label, or perform any other operation required to ensure the anonymity of samples.
2.2 The number of the service on the packaging must be different than the registration number.
2.4 Each juror receives a permanent number.
2.4 The Organisation shall oversee distributing the samples to the juries.
ARTICLE 16: JUDGING METHODS
1. Products are entered into the Competition with the aim of obtaining an award. Samples are judged on the basis of their organoleptic qualities, which are evaluated by the jury using a marking scale provided by the Organisation.
2. The Organisation alone determines how samples are tasted and shall not be held responsible if a product does not receive an award.
3. Marks are confidential.
ARTICLE 17: ROLE OF JURORS
1. Once the sample has been tasted, each member of the jury enters their notes and comments on the form provided by the Organisation.
2. The taster can make possible observations in the appropriate space, and then he or she can submit the sheet.
3. Each product is tasted individually and not in comparison.
ARTICLE 18: TRANSCRIPTION AND CALCULATION OF RESULTS
The Organisation shall verify that the sheet is fully filled out and check the total score awarded by the juror.
When a product is marked “eliminated“ due to a major defect by at least two jurors, the sample shall not receive an award by this jury under any circumstances.
Each sample is rated based on the average of the scores resulting from the calculation of appraisals from each of the jurors. The Organisation reserves the right to eliminate figures whose standard deviation is too large compared with the mean."
ARTICLE 19: GRANTING AWARDS
1. The Competition grants the following awards:
- Gold Medal
- Silver Medal"
2. The distinction depends on two parameters: the average score of the sample and its ranking in the jury after its scoring.
3. In addition, trophies will be awarded.
ARTICLE 20: DOCUMENTATION OF AWARDS
1. 1. Awards granted are accompanied by documentary proof, or a “Diploma”, given by the Organisation.
This diploma indicates the exact designation of the sample which received the award and the exact identification of the corresponding participant."
2. Awards are given as medals.
3. These distinctions may be placed only on the packages of award-winning products.
WINE COMPETITION:
Medals representing distinctions may only be placed on the bottles or packages of award-winning Wines. The number of medals provided will correspond to the volume declared when the wine is registered for the competition. The award is bestowed on the lot registered by the Participant. As a result, the brand name can be modified as long as the actual product is the lot that was registered initially. If a brand was not declared upon registration, only the owner of the lot can request that it be added to the Competition. The new brand name can be used only after the Competition has confirmed its agreement by email.
OTHER COMPETITIONS:
Medals representing distinctions may only be placed on the bottles or packages of award-winning Products. Medals can be placed on products for two years after the results are announced."
4. The adhesive material used to produce medals can contain metal and non-food compounds. When ordering medals, the participant must inform the Competition of any production constraints with regard to his packaging chains. If there is a problem with the use of the adhesive medals delivered by the Competition, the Competition shall not be held responsible for any losses in productivity, given the numerous parameters involved in packaging and in affixing medals. However, the Competition shall do everything it can to replace rolls of medals that have a manufacturing flaw.
5. Prior authorisation must be obtained, and fees paid, before completely or partially reproducing or representing the medal or logo. (See article 23).
6. Information relating to the Product and communicated by the Participant at the time of registration (appellation, vintage, grape variety, certification, etc.) may be published (print or digital) and communicated to the public. In the event of a publication error, the Participant shall receive no financial compensation.
ARTICLE 21: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
1. Representation of the medal and the ‘London Tasting Awards’ inscription are trademarks registered at the UKIPO; they are protected by copyright and may be used only by Competition winners and according to the provisions of these rules and regulations.
2. Any other use of the medal representation, the ‘London Tasting Awards’ inscription or other trademarks, or of any other copyrighted signs or works belonging to the Organisation, and in particular any treatment or transformation, shall be authorised if and only if the Organisation has given express prior written consent (handwritten or other textual form).
ARTICLE 22: CONTROLS, VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY
1. The Organisation may have the submitted samples verified in the laboratory of its choice.
2. The Organisation has the right to refuse incomplete registrations and to eliminate samples entered in the Competition if they do not conform to the Rules and Regulations.
3. At any time, the Organisation reserves the right to take samples of products on which a distinction is indicated and have them analysed in the laboratory of its choice.
4. The Participant must, at its own expense, retrieve eliminated samples from the Organisation’s headquarters in the week following notification of their non-conformity with Rules and Regulations. After this one-week period, the Organisation shall have the right to destroy the samples.
ARTICLE 23: USE OF THE DISTINCTION
1. A distinction may be indicated only by affixing self-sticking medals acquired from the Organisation, or by printing medals on product packaging (labels, collars, bottles, primary or secondary packaging, cartons) after having obtained the corresponding printing rights from the Organisation.
2. Medals may be affixed or printed only on the labels of products that have received an award.
3. The acquired permit of printing the medals on the label and the purchased self-adhesive medals are not transferable to other products.
4. The Participant may acquire self-sticking medals, or the right to print medals on labels, from the Organisation upon payment of applicable fees. If printing rights are not paid for then the Participant cannot use the brand or logo.
5. If there is a valid reason for doing so, the Organisation may prohibit participants from using certain printers to print product labels on which medals are represented.
6. For a fee, the Participant may also obtain advertising supports made available by the Organisation. The Participant may create his or her own advertising media, provided that he or she has obtained the Organisation’s written agreement and validation of the print approval prior to any production.
ARTICLE 24: SANCTIONS AND CONTRACTUAL PENALTY
If the medal or any other distinctive sign belonging to the Competition is reproduced and/or used in ways that do not meet the conditions stipulated in these Rules and Regulations, or in any other document or rules to which it refers, the Organisation may apply the following penalties, no matter what the reasons leading up to the infraction noted and without eliminating the possibility of any other appropriate legal steps--particularly if the Participant has acted in bad faith--in order to put a stop to the problem(s) and obtain compensation for the direct or indirect damages suffered:
- immediate payment of all fees due for use of the medal for the entire lot in question with an additional financial penalty of 50% of the sum due, a £25,000 fine and payment of all fees (lawyer and independent inspector in particular) incurred by the Organisation,
- immediate suspension of use of the medal until it can be proven that all self-sticking medals and/or medals with permit numbers not yet placed on Product(s) have been destroyed,
- immediate removal of all Product(s) bearing the medal from all stores and other points where they are sold, at the sole expense of the user who has not applied these Rules and Regulations,
- being banned from the Competition, for up to 10 years,
- being unable to refer to a medal obtained in a preceding edition of the Competition.
Any penalty applied under the conditions of this article cannot in any case lead to compensation of the Participant, no matter what motives led to the infraction and even if the penalty is later revoked.
In addition, should producer(s) of awarded product(s) learn that a third-party has used the medal fraudulently, they solemnly agree to inform the Organisation of such use.
ARTICLE 25: PARTICIPANTS’ COMMITMENT TO APPLYING RULES AND REGULATIONS
Participants in the Competition must accept these rules and regulations, legal information and the policy for managing their personal data.
ARTICLE 26: GDPR
The information collected while participating in the Competition is required to provide services and manage commercial relations. It is intended for use by the Organisation and the companies involved in providing these services.
The charter on how personal data is managed is available on the Website's legal information.
ARTICLE 27: APPLICABLE LAW, COMPETENT JURISDICTION
These rules shall be governed by English law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
In the event of any dispute or litigation arising out of or in connection with the Contest or the Organisation, regardless of the nationality of the parties to the dispute, the Courts of London (United Kingdom) shall have the exclusive jurisdiction.
1. The London Tasting Awards hereafter called the "Competition" is a wine, beer and spirits hereafter called the "Products" competition with previously registered Products which are eligible to be granted an award based on their quality.
2. The Competition is organised by Armonia Group UK LTD located at Becket House 1 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EU, United Kingdom, hereafter called "the Organisation" and shall takes place in London.
3. The objectives of the Competition are:
- to promote knowledge of Products of outstanding quality to the public,
- to take consumers' tastes into account more by inviting experienced amateurs to be part of its juries,
- to help consumers choose better Products. "
ARTICLE 2: PRODUCTS ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE
WINE COMPETITION: any wines in the world, with or without a geographical denomination, is allowed to register: still wines, liqueur wines, sparkling and semi-sparkling wines. Each wine must comply with current regulations in its country of origin.
All these products must be destined for sale and come from a homogeneous batch. A homogeneous batch is defined as a set of sales units of a packaged Product or of containers of a bulk Product which has been produced and, where applicable, packaged under practically identical conditions and which has similar organoleptic and analytical characteristics. Any vintages may be entered into the Competition.
BEER COMPETITION: Any drinks in the world being sold a ""Beer"", can register.
SPIRITS COMPETITION: Any spirits, brandy or liqueur in the world can register."
ARTICLE 3: PROFESSIONALS AUTHORISED TO PRESENT PRODUCTS
1. The following professionals, hereafter called the Participant(s), are authorised to participate:
WINE COMPETITION: winemakers, cooperatives, associated cooperatives, groups of producers, producers, merchants, importers, retailers.
BEER COMPETITION: brewers, commercial agents, manufacturers, importers, retailers.
SPIRITS COMPETITION: producers, groups of producers, distillers, commercial agents, manufacturers, importers, retailers.
2. Samples may be presented by their owner or any natural person or entity duly authorised by the owner. "
ARTICLE 4: PRESENTATION OF SAMPLES
Each sample submitted must meet the following conditions:
- come from a homogeneous batch
- be identifiable
- have a sales label. Sales labels should compply with current regulations in the country where they are made, and as well as with British importing regulations.
Participants must guarantee that the Products are safe to consume and comply with relevant legal and national regulations.
ARTICLE 5: SENDING SAMPLES
The number of samples requested depends on the product category.
This information is provided at www.londontastingawards.com, hereafter called the ""Website"" and on the shipping documents.
Samples should arrive at the Organisation 'with postage’ shipping, customs duties and taxes paid by the sender. Bottles shall be sent at the Participant’s expense and at his or her own risk. Upon reception, samples become the property of the Competition. Where applicable, the Organisation will invoice the participant for any taxes and customs duties payable. Any sample sent that has not had all relevant shipping costs paid for will be refused. Samples received that do not correspond to registration information or were not previously registered will not be presented for tasting and will remain the property of the Competition. Furthermore, the Organisation cannot be held responsible in the event of theft, loss, delay or damage in the delivery of the samples.
The participant guarantees that he or she has taken all the necessary HACCP measures required to maintain food hygiene and guarantee the safety of products sent to the Competition.
ARTICLE 6: REGISTRATION RULES
The Participant must provide the information required to open an account. He or she must also complete a registration form, called a product form, for each product submitted. This may be done by post or online.
Registration by post: The completed participant form and product form(s) should be sent to the address indicated on the Website and on the shipping documents. Forms are available on the Website or upon request.
Online registration:
a) The Participant must open an account on the Website. He or she will then have a personal account that can be used to present products. There is no charge for opening an account.
b) A form must be completed on the Website for each product submitted. This form is available on the Website from the Participant’s personal account.
2. Registration fees must be paid in accordance with provisions laid down in article 7. Payment methods are also described in detail in article 7.
3. The information on both forms is binding to the person who provided it..
4. Participants must indicate if they have any direct or indirect links with a taster on a jury so that the Organisation can make sure this taster does not judge the Participant’s products.
5. A Product with a name that is sexist, racist, discriminatory or degrading to an individual, the Competition or the industry will not be accepted to compete and will not be able to use the distinction even if it had obtained it under a different name.
6. Any attempt to cheat, falsify or even deceive in the presentation of products, for whatever reason, will be prosecuted in the competent courts.
ARTICLE 7: REGISTRATION FEES
1. The registration fees are indicated on the participant form and on the Website. They are given in GBP and are the same for all countries.
2. The payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card.
Participants who are in the United Kingdom will have to pay VAT at the UK rate.
The choice of payment method for the registration fees is made online in the participant’s personal account, after having completed the product registration process. Credit card payment is made via a secure online payment system (Visa, Mastercard).
The Organisation is not responsible for paying bank fees. Credit cards are charged on the day the registration is recorded.
Payment should be made to ""the Organisation"
Participants shall receive an invoice by email. If the Participant does not have an email account, the invoice will be sent by post, if requested.
3. Registration fees cannot be reimbursed if, for example, samples or forms arrive after the deadline, if the product does not receive a prize, or if the registration is cancelled for any reason.
4. If registration fees for a product have not been paid, the sample will not be allowed to take part in the Competition.
ARTICLE 8: CALENDAR
Opening and closing dates for registration, as well as the deadline for receiving samples, can be obtained from the Competition by simple request. This information also can be found on the Website. Tastings may be scheduled on other dates at other venues in addition to the date and place indicated on the Website or in documents.
ARTICLE 9: FORCE MAJEURE
Force majeure is defined as: an epidemic, fire, natural catastrophe, strike, terrorist act or exceptional circumstances that the Organiser’s cannot control that prevents the Competition from happening as planned.
In such a case the Competition reserves the right to cancel the selection, change the place or dates initially planned, shorten or lengthen the Competition, and/or modify its conditions or execution.
If an edition of the Competition is purely and simply cancelled, or if there are modifications such as those described above, the Participant shall not hold the Competition responsible in any way, and registration fees and samples that have already been sent shall remain the property of the Competition.
The Competition may have to ask for samples to be sent again in such cases.
ARTICLE 10: CONTROL OF SAMPLES RECEIVED
The Organisation verifies the receipt of samples with the registration form. Attention must be paid to the correct use of appellations of origin and geographic indications. Samples which do not respect of these rules shall be rejected.
ARTICLE 11: CLASSIFICATION AND ORGANISATION OF SAMPLES PRESENTED
Samples are classified by category based on the registration documents. A category includes samples with the same characteristics, because such products can be compared.
ARTICLE 12: DESIGNATION OF JURORS
1. Juries are composed of jurors who are designated and called directly by the Organisation.
2. The samples shall be evaluated by juries, whose numbers shall be set according to the number and the nature of products presented at the Competition.
3. For each category the jury will be composed of professionals in the sector and knowledgeable amateurs whose skills have been verified beforehand by the Organisation.
4. The Organisation has the right to disqualify any juror to avoid having a competitor judge his or her own products, or for any other reason. They are not required to disclose the reason for dismissing the juror.
5. If one or more members of the jury are absent on the day of the tasting, the Organisation may designate substitute jurors.
6. Jurors’ names are confidential. Their personal data is not communicated to any third parties.
7. Legal proceedings may not be brought against the Organisation as a result of their choice of tasters. Tasters have sovereignty. Their marks cannot be contested.
8. The Organisation shall ask jury members to submit a declaration indicating any direct or indirect ties they may have with any companies, establishments, professional organisations, or associations whose activities, products or interests may be related to Products presented in the Competition.
ARTICLE 13: PRESIDENCY OF JURIES
The Organisation appoints a jury president. The president makes sure the tasting is carried out properly, and in particular that all samples remain anonymous. He or she shall make sure the marking sheet is used when samples are judged. He or she shall preside over the collection of marking sheets. Juries are placed under his or her responsibility.
ARTICLE 14: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ORGANISATION
1. If an event that cannot be attributed to the Organisation, or that is the result of a force majeure, prevents the tasting from being carried out properly, the Organisation cannot be held responsible in any way or for any consequences that a Participant might invoke.
2. The Organisation ensures correct preparations, examination of samples and communication of the results as well as constant evaluation of the jurors. The Organisation shall endeavour:
- to oversee the anonymity of samples submitted to the jurors as well as the secrecy of the results until the end of the Competition,
- to oversee the organisation of the tasting is it responsible for before the juries are made,
- to verify the order the samples are presented,
- to oversee the opening of the samples, their identity and their anonymity for the members of the jury,
- to control the examination of the results: distribution and collection of score sheets, calculations, posting of the results,
- to organise a session for all jurors to explain how the score sheet should be used."
ARTICLE 15: GENERAL FUNCTIONING OF THE JURIES
1. Discipline
1.1 A data sheet of samples presented and corresponding score sheets or the appropriate IT support shall be provided to the jurors. Technical indications related to samples shall be indicated on the score. When the sheets are returned, the name of the juror or his or her identification shall be included on the score sheets.
1.2 Staff members who collect the sheets shall ensure that score sheets have been filled in properly.
1.3 Duplicates of score sheets shall not be left with the jurors.
1.4 Smoking is forbidden and the juries must avoid using any perfume which may affect the sessions. Mobile phones must also be turned off.
2. Material functioning
2.1 Samples are numbered, uncapped and uncorked, then recorked anonymously and covered with opaque wine socks. The Organisation will take all necessary measures to ensure that samples submitted for tasting remain entirely anonymous. They may proceed to transfer the product to another container, change or mask the label, or perform any other operation required to ensure the anonymity of samples.
2.2 The number of the service on the packaging must be different than the registration number.
2.4 Each juror receives a permanent number.
2.4 The Organisation shall oversee distributing the samples to the juries.
ARTICLE 16: JUDGING METHODS
1. Products are entered into the Competition with the aim of obtaining an award. Samples are judged on the basis of their organoleptic qualities, which are evaluated by the jury using a marking scale provided by the Organisation.
2. The Organisation alone determines how samples are tasted and shall not be held responsible if a product does not receive an award.
3. Marks are confidential.
ARTICLE 17: ROLE OF JURORS
1. Once the sample has been tasted, each member of the jury enters their notes and comments on the form provided by the Organisation.
2. The taster can make possible observations in the appropriate space, and then he or she can submit the sheet.
3. Each product is tasted individually and not in comparison.
ARTICLE 18: TRANSCRIPTION AND CALCULATION OF RESULTS
The Organisation shall verify that the sheet is fully filled out and check the total score awarded by the juror.
When a product is marked “eliminated“ due to a major defect by at least two jurors, the sample shall not receive an award by this jury under any circumstances.
Each sample is rated based on the average of the scores resulting from the calculation of appraisals from each of the jurors. The Organisation reserves the right to eliminate figures whose standard deviation is too large compared with the mean."
ARTICLE 19: GRANTING AWARDS
1. The Competition grants the following awards:
- Gold Medal
- Silver Medal"
2. The distinction depends on two parameters: the average score of the sample and its ranking in the jury after its scoring.
3. In addition, trophies will be awarded.
ARTICLE 20: DOCUMENTATION OF AWARDS
1. 1. Awards granted are accompanied by documentary proof, or a “Diploma”, given by the Organisation.
This diploma indicates the exact designation of the sample which received the award and the exact identification of the corresponding participant."
2. Awards are given as medals.
3. These distinctions may be placed only on the packages of award-winning products.
WINE COMPETITION:
Medals representing distinctions may only be placed on the bottles or packages of award-winning Wines. The number of medals provided will correspond to the volume declared when the wine is registered for the competition. The award is bestowed on the lot registered by the Participant. As a result, the brand name can be modified as long as the actual product is the lot that was registered initially. If a brand was not declared upon registration, only the owner of the lot can request that it be added to the Competition. The new brand name can be used only after the Competition has confirmed its agreement by email.
OTHER COMPETITIONS:
Medals representing distinctions may only be placed on the bottles or packages of award-winning Products. Medals can be placed on products for two years after the results are announced."
4. The adhesive material used to produce medals can contain metal and non-food compounds. When ordering medals, the participant must inform the Competition of any production constraints with regard to his packaging chains. If there is a problem with the use of the adhesive medals delivered by the Competition, the Competition shall not be held responsible for any losses in productivity, given the numerous parameters involved in packaging and in affixing medals. However, the Competition shall do everything it can to replace rolls of medals that have a manufacturing flaw.
5. Prior authorisation must be obtained, and fees paid, before completely or partially reproducing or representing the medal or logo. (See article 23).
6. Information relating to the Product and communicated by the Participant at the time of registration (appellation, vintage, grape variety, certification, etc.) may be published (print or digital) and communicated to the public. In the event of a publication error, the Participant shall receive no financial compensation.
ARTICLE 21: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
1. Representation of the medal and the ‘London Tasting Awards’ inscription are trademarks registered at the UKIPO; they are protected by copyright and may be used only by Competition winners and according to the provisions of these rules and regulations.
2. Any other use of the medal representation, the ‘London Tasting Awards’ inscription or other trademarks, or of any other copyrighted signs or works belonging to the Organisation, and in particular any treatment or transformation, shall be authorised if and only if the Organisation has given express prior written consent (handwritten or other textual form).
ARTICLE 22: CONTROLS, VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY
1. The Organisation may have the submitted samples verified in the laboratory of its choice.
2. The Organisation has the right to refuse incomplete registrations and to eliminate samples entered in the Competition if they do not conform to the Rules and Regulations.
3. At any time, the Organisation reserves the right to take samples of products on which a distinction is indicated and have them analysed in the laboratory of its choice.
4. The Participant must, at its own expense, retrieve eliminated samples from the Organisation’s headquarters in the week following notification of their non-conformity with Rules and Regulations. After this one-week period, the Organisation shall have the right to destroy the samples.
ARTICLE 23: USE OF THE DISTINCTION
1. A distinction may be indicated only by affixing self-sticking medals acquired from the Organisation, or by printing medals on product packaging (labels, collars, bottles, primary or secondary packaging, cartons) after having obtained the corresponding printing rights from the Organisation.
2. Medals may be affixed or printed only on the labels of products that have received an award.
3. The acquired permit of printing the medals on the label and the purchased self-adhesive medals are not transferable to other products.
4. The Participant may acquire self-sticking medals, or the right to print medals on labels, from the Organisation upon payment of applicable fees. If printing rights are not paid for then the Participant cannot use the brand or logo.
5. If there is a valid reason for doing so, the Organisation may prohibit participants from using certain printers to print product labels on which medals are represented.
6. For a fee, the Participant may also obtain advertising supports made available by the Organisation. The Participant may create his or her own advertising media, provided that he or she has obtained the Organisation’s written agreement and validation of the print approval prior to any production.
ARTICLE 24: SANCTIONS AND CONTRACTUAL PENALTY
If the medal or any other distinctive sign belonging to the Competition is reproduced and/or used in ways that do not meet the conditions stipulated in these Rules and Regulations, or in any other document or rules to which it refers, the Organisation may apply the following penalties, no matter what the reasons leading up to the infraction noted and without eliminating the possibility of any other appropriate legal steps--particularly if the Participant has acted in bad faith--in order to put a stop to the problem(s) and obtain compensation for the direct or indirect damages suffered:
- immediate payment of all fees due for use of the medal for the entire lot in question with an additional financial penalty of 50% of the sum due, a £25,000 fine and payment of all fees (lawyer and independent inspector in particular) incurred by the Organisation,
- immediate suspension of use of the medal until it can be proven that all self-sticking medals and/or medals with permit numbers not yet placed on Product(s) have been destroyed,
- immediate removal of all Product(s) bearing the medal from all stores and other points where they are sold, at the sole expense of the user who has not applied these Rules and Regulations,
- being banned from the Competition, for up to 10 years,
- being unable to refer to a medal obtained in a preceding edition of the Competition.
Any penalty applied under the conditions of this article cannot in any case lead to compensation of the Participant, no matter what motives led to the infraction and even if the penalty is later revoked.
In addition, should producer(s) of awarded product(s) learn that a third-party has used the medal fraudulently, they solemnly agree to inform the Organisation of such use.
ARTICLE 25: PARTICIPANTS’ COMMITMENT TO APPLYING RULES AND REGULATIONS
Participants in the Competition must accept these rules and regulations, legal information and the policy for managing their personal data.
ARTICLE 26: GDPR
The information collected while participating in the Competition is required to provide services and manage commercial relations. It is intended for use by the Organisation and the companies involved in providing these services.
The charter on how personal data is managed is available on the Website's legal information.
ARTICLE 27: APPLICABLE LAW, COMPETENT JURISDICTION
These rules shall be governed by English law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
In the event of any dispute or litigation arising out of or in connection with the Contest or the Organisation, regardless of the nationality of the parties to the dispute, the Courts of London (United Kingdom) shall have the exclusive jurisdiction.
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