A method of handling labels cut from a web-like labelling material in an automated labelling process with a vacuum drum group according to claim 5, comprising the steps of: a) feeding a succession of labels at an input station; and b) conveying said labels along a circular label path from said input station to an application station located at a first angular distance (α 1) from said input station as measured about an axis, at said application station means being provided for applying said labels onto respective articles being fed, in succession, to said application station; c) selectively conveying said labels by means of the vacuum drum of said vacuum drum group along said label path past said application station and to a discarding station located at a second angular distance (α 2) from said input station as measured about an axis, said second angular distance (α 2) being greater than said first angular distance (α 1); whereby said step c) of conveying said labels along said label path past said application station comprises the steps of: - retaining said labels against the outer lateral surface of said vacuum drum as said labels reach and pass said application station; and - selectively switching said vacuum drum between said first operative configuration, where fluidic communication between said outer lateral surface of said vacuum drum and a vacuum source is established over said first angular distance (α 1), and said second operative configuration, where fluidic communication between said outer lateral surface of said vacuum drum and said vacuum source is established over said second angular distance (α 2). a) feeding a succession of labels at an input station; and b) conveying said labels along a circular label path from said input station to an application station located at a first angular distance (α 1) from said input station as measured about an axis, at said application station means being provided for applying said labels onto respective articles being fed, in succession, to said application station; c) selectively conveying said labels by means of the vacuum drum of said vacuum drum group along said label path past said application station and to a discarding station located at a second angular distance (α 2) from said input station as measured about an axis, said second angular distance (α 2) being greater than said first angular distance (α 1); whereby said step c) of conveying said labels along said label path past said application station comprises the steps of: - retaining said labels against the outer lateral surface of said vacuum drum as said labels reach and pass said application station; and - selectively switching said vacuum drum between said first operative configuration, where fluidic communication between said outer lateral surface of said vacuum drum and a vacuum source is established over said first angular distance (α 1), and said second operative configuration, where fluidic communication between said outer lateral surface of said vacuum drum and said vacuum source is established over said second angular distance (α 2). - retaining said labels against the outer lateral surface of said vacuum drum as said labels reach and pass said application station; and - selectively switching said vacuum drum between said first operative configuration, where fluidic communication between said outer lateral surface of said vacuum drum and a vacuum source is established over said first angular distance (α 1), and said second operative configuration, where fluidic communication between said outer lateral surface of said vacuum drum and said vacuum source is established over said second angular distance (α 2).