So often I am posting a great giveaway or contest and lo and behold I see “void in Quebec, not eligible in Quebec, not open to residents of Quebec…” and so on. Not fair, right? So, what’s the deal? Apparently, the government of Quebec makes it very difficult for sponsors to hold sweepstakes or “publicity contests.” The sponsors must follow a strict set of rules set out by the government and if those rules are not followed, there can be major legal ramification. Quebec Publicity Contest Law requires that sponsors do some or all of the following:
- Register the sweepstakes rules and all advertisements used to promote the contest with the Quebec government at least 10 days ahead of the sweepstakes launch.
- Pay a fee of up to 10% of the sweepstakes value, depending on who is allowed to enter.
- Follow strict guidelines about the contents of the sweepstakes rules.
- Allow the Quebec government to determine if the sweepstake may be changed or canceled once it has started.
- File a written report after the contest has concluded, attesting that the prizes have been delivered or attempted to be delivered.
- For more details, see the Quebec Rules Respecting Publicity Contests
Thanks to Sandra Grauschopf – About.com
