Refund Policy
A clear, fair account of how nomination and winner package fees are handled at the International Restaurant Awards.
Our Commitment to Fairness
The International Restaurant Awards exists to celebrate the kitchens, dining rooms and hospitality teams that raise the standard of our industry across the world. We take pride in running a programme that is rigorous, respectful and transparent, and that same spirit guides how we handle every payment made to us. This Refund Policy explains, in plain language, when fees can and cannot be refunded, so that every restaurateur, chef and hospitality leader knows exactly where they stand before they commit.
We recognise that taking part in an international awards programme is a meaningful decision for any establishment, from a family-run trattoria to a flagship resort restaurant. We want that decision to be made with full confidence. Please read this policy alongside our fee schedule, which sets out the costs associated with nomination and recognition in detail. By submitting a nomination or accepting a winner package, you confirm that you have read and understood the terms set out below.
What This Policy Covers
- Nomination and entry administration fees
- Winner package, trophy and certification fees
- Gala attendance, seating and related event charges
- Optional promotional and editorial feature placements
Nomination & Entry Fees
Nomination fees cover the administrative work of registering an establishment, verifying its details and preparing the submission for review by our judging panel. Because this assessment work begins as soon as a nomination is received, nomination fees are generally non-refundable once the evaluation process has commenced.
That said, fairness cuts both ways. If you submit a nomination and then change your mind before our team has begun the verification and scoring process, you may request a full refund. We will always honour a withdrawal made promptly and in good faith. We also issue full refunds in the rare event of duplicate payments, processing errors on our side, or a technical fault that resulted in your nomination not being recorded.
When a Nomination Fee Is Refundable
- The request is made before judging assessment has begun
- A duplicate or accidental payment was taken
- A system error prevented your entry from being processed
- We are unable to deliver the entry tier you paid for
Where a nomination is found to be ineligible after submission, we will work with you to transfer it to an appropriate category before considering any refund, so that your establishment still has the opportunity to be recognised.
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Winner Package Fees
When an establishment is confirmed as a winner or finalist, it may choose to accept a winner package. These packages include items such as the engraved trophy, the official certificate, the digital winner's mark, gala invitations and editorial recognition. Many of these elements are produced to order and personalised with the name of the restaurant and the specific award, which means production and reservation costs are incurred on your behalf the moment a package is confirmed.
For this reason, winner package fees are non-refundable once production of bespoke materials has begun or once gala places have been reserved in your name. Before that point, you are free to decline or amend your package without charge. We will always tell you clearly when the production window opens, so there are no surprises and no hidden timelines.
Considerations for Bespoke Items
Trophies, certificates and printed features are crafted individually and cannot be resold or reused. If a personalised item arrives damaged, faulty or incorrect through no fault of your own, we will repair or replace it at no cost. We ask that any such issue is reported within fourteen days of delivery so that we can arrange a swift resolution.
Gala attendance fees may be transferred to another representative of your establishment at any time before the event. Where a confirmed gala place can still be released and resold, a partial refund may be offered at our discretion.
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How to Request a Refund
Requesting a refund is straightforward. There is no complicated form and no obligation to justify your decision beyond the basic details we need to locate your payment. We simply ask that requests are made in writing so that we have a clear record for both parties.
- Email our team via the contact page with the subject line "Refund Request".
- Include the name of your establishment and the email address used to nominate.
- Quote your payment reference or the date the payment was made.
- Tell us briefly which fee the request relates to.
Once we receive your request, a member of our awards office will acknowledge it within two business days and confirm the next steps. If we need any further information to verify the payment, we will let you know promptly so that nothing delays the review.
Processing Time
We aim to assess every eligible refund request within seven business days of receiving the necessary details. Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method used at the time of purchase. Depending on your bank or card provider, it may take a further five to ten business days for the funds to appear on your statement.
Where a request falls outside the conditions described above, we will still review it on its merits and explain our decision clearly. Our intention is never to apply rules mechanically, but to treat each establishment fairly and to keep the dialogue open. Any charges levied by payment processors that cannot be recovered will be communicated to you before a refund is finalised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nomination fees are non-refundable once our panel has begun the verification and scoring of your entry, as the administrative and assessment work has already been carried out. Refunds remain available before judging commences.
If a personalised item arrives damaged, faulty or incorrect through no fault of your own, we will repair or replace it free of charge. Please report the issue within fourteen days of delivery so we can resolve it quickly.
Yes. Gala attendance can be transferred to another representative of your establishment at any time before the event. Simply let us know the name of your replacement guest in advance.
We assess eligible requests within seven business days. Once approved, the refund is returned to your original payment method and may take a further five to ten business days to appear, depending on your provider.
Absolutely. Duplicate payments, accidental charges and processing errors on our side are always refunded in full as soon as they are identified and verified.
Contact Our Awards Office
If you have any questions about this policy, our fee schedule, or a payment you have made, our team is glad to help. Reach us through the contact page and we will respond within two business days. We would rather answer a question early than leave any restaurateur uncertain, so please do not hesitate to write.