CONSUMER PROTECTION MESSAGES

THE AUTHORITY GUARANTOR

OF COMPETITION AND OF THE MARKET

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The “Bel Canto Italia School of Opera” e the “Florence Art Collegium” based in Florence have sent out through the following web sites: “www.belcantoitalia.net” e “www.artcollegium.com”

advertisements to promote study courses for foreign students that the Authority deems to be DECEPTIVE ADVERTISEMENTS

The advertisements:

- stress the presence in the city of Florence of two qualified schools for foreigners (the “Bel Canto Italia School of Opera” and the “Florence Art Collegium”) in which opera singing as well as drawing, painting, sculpture and Italian language are taught;

- refer in particular to the existence of regular teaching courses, for which the subjects and the duration (often a few months) are specified. Complimentary activities such as taking part in concerts and guided visits to museums are also mentioned.

The Authority deemed

that the afore mentioned advertisements are deceptive, in so far as, contrary to the truth, they lead one to believe that:

- there is a complex organization with people, structures and means, in other words adequate permanent premises (in which to hold the advertised teaching program); teaching staff (specialised in the various fields of study); an appropriate technical/administrative structure; recognition and collaboration with public and private institutions.

From our investigation, however it appears that the schools have no permanent premises; that the address given on the internet web sites corresponds to a simple post box at the Florence central post office; that some of the lessons for foreign students were held in premises made available by a musical instruments shop; that the cultural visits and other advertised activities did not take place.

The Authority therefore decided to publish the present rectification message.

(Order adopted at its meeting of 7 February 2002, under D. Lgs. n. 74/92)