Released on: October 25, 2008, 6:00 pm

Press Release Author: Committee for WSET Reform

Industry: Education

Press Release Summary: The WSET certificates cannot be used to get a wine job. We
want to change that.

Press Release Body: We are calling on the International Wine Center to stop issuing
WSET certificates and diplomas temporarily.

The International Wine Center in New York City runs the WSET (Wine and Spirits
Education Trust) programs. They claim this is a program that will train you to be a
wine professional.

The International Wine Center is currently not certified to run a school for
sommeliers or wine professionals. We are asking they conform to New York state laws*
before any more certificates or diplomas are issued.

Furthermore, Wine professionals and business owners must be warned that a WSET
diploma or certificate is not currently recognized as a professional certificate
and cannot be used to gain employment in the food or wine industries.

*The IWC/WSET have violated the following NY laws & regulations by claiming they
offer professional training for the food & wine industries:

New York Laws: Education : (5001 - 5010) Private Trade And Correspondence Schools

"Schools required to be licensed or registered. No private school or computer training
facility which charges tuition or fees for instruction and which is not exempted
hereunder shall be operated by any person or persons, firm, corporation, or private
organization for the purpose of teaching or giving instruction in any subject or
subjects, unless it is licensed or registered by the department. "

See also:
Section 126.10 of the New York State Education Department Regulations

Web Site: http://www.no-wset-wine-course.com/

Contact Details: wset.wine@gmail.com