The ASA has recently reminded us that Santa Claus most definitely does not exist.
Or rather, as those keen eyed readers will notice from the title, that a Santa clause does not exist, as part of the Advertising Codes. The ASA has reported that every year at the time of glad tidings, mince pies, carols, and general merriment it receives a sack full of complaints from angry parents. For example, last year it received 40 complaints against an Asda TV advert depicting parents buying and hiding presents. Why would they do this when Santa will be bringing them on Christmas Eve …… the children might ask?
The ASA did not investigate. Nevertheless, it accepts that the Codes place a particular emphasis on protecting children from harm and distress.
Accordingly this year, to save us from tears, the ASA had reminded advertisers to ‘tread carefully’ when putting their Christmas adverts together.
Posted by Fiona Carter, who specialises in commercial regulation, compliance advice and investigations; is head of Browne Jacobson’s advertising and marketing team and food and drink group.
Fiona Carter
0115 976 6224
fcarter@brownejacobson.com
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Tags: advertising, advertising standards authority, marketing
