Anonymous v Bristol-Myers Squibb (AUTH/1865/7/06): Football club venue for PCT education meeting found acceptable

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Key facts

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Case number	AUTH/1865/7/06
Parties	Anonymous v Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited
Issue	Arrangements for a meeting (venue at a football club)
Meeting details	28 June 2006; 12 noon–5pm; hypertension and cardiovascular medicine; 175 delegates
Sponsorship	£500 to a PCT in return for an exhibition stand
Clause(s) considered	Clause 19.1
Decision	No breach
Complaint received	10 July 2006
Case completed	9 August 2006
Appeal	No appeal
Applicable Code year	2006
Source	https://www.pmcpa.org.uk/cases/completed-cases/auth1865706-anonymous-v-bristol-myers-squibb

Reviewed by Dr Anzal Qurbain (FFPM) — ABPI Final Signatory

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An anonymous attendee complained about the venue for a Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS)-sponsored meeting held at a football club in a room overlooking the pitch.
The meeting (28 June 2006, 12 noon–5pm) covered hypertension and cardiovascular medicine and was described as a scientific/educational programme.
The complainant believed the revised Code excluded sporting venues for meetings and hospitality.
The meeting was organised by a primary care trust (PCT) as a protected learning time event; BMS provided £500 sponsorship in return for an exhibition stand (other companies also sponsored).
BMS stated it had no control over content, logistics, speakers, or venue selection, and that no sporting event took place immediately before, during, or immediately after the meeting.
BMS said the venue was chosen because it could accommodate 175 delegates and local hotels could not.

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