The 100 members of the IOC have been ordered to sign a new set of "ethical principles" that "prohibits them from accepting fine wines or electronic goods as gifts from bidding cities," according to Martyn Ziegler of the LONDON TIMES. The IOC "has suffered huge embarrassment from bribery and black-market ticket scandals," and told members that they need to sign the document by Nov. 5. The acceptance of money or large gifts had been prohibited but the new rules are "more explicit about what is acceptable and also make clear that conflicts of interest must be declared." The document spells out a "non-exhaustive" list of unacceptable gifts, including bottles of expensive wine and spirits, luxury brands of bags, clothing, watches and pens, and electronic equipment, including "cameras, smartphones, TV, computers and tablets." Any jewelry or objects made using "gold, precious metals and stones" are also banned, as is "any sum of money or gift vouchers." Acceptable gifts include photographs, books, chocolates, local food specialties and "inexpensive wines" (LONDON TIMES, 10/20).
