Why should bailiff run a competition?

I was reading the small print of competition rules in a magazine running a competition and I noticed it said the firm had appointed a huissier. Why would you appoint a bailiff to help run a competition? G.J.

In the case of competitions run by the media, appointing a huissier is one of the legal requirements, which are fairly onerous (which is why the small print is usually long and complicated). The rules of the competition and a copy of any documents being sent to the public must be lodged with this official, who checks they are in order.

Their name must also feature in the regulations. If a media firm breaks any of the rules, it may be found guilty of a criminal offence of running a “prohibited lottery”.

Another important rule is that the competition must cost nothing to enter. For example, a newspaper cannot ask people to buy a copy of the publication to take part.

Even having to pay for a stamp or phone call can, in theory, be questionable, so the rules should state such expenses will be reimbursed on request. The entry form must also be separate from any purchase order for goods or services.

The regulations must state the prizes to be won and their value, in decreasing order of value, and must say that a copy of the rules will be sent free to anyone on request.

Anyone affected by a breach in these laws can complain to the local fraud office for the area in which the company running the competition is based, called (depending on your area) DDPP or DDCSPP.

They will investigate and may initiate legal action. They can be found at: http://tiny url.com/fraud-offices