ASA Adjudication on CN Creative Ltd

A print ad for e-cigarettes included images of the package alongside text that stated “A BIG DEAL FOR SMOKERS.” In response to a complaint, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) investigated whether the ad was irresponsible because it encouraged non-smokers smokers to take up smoking. The ASA found that the ad did not violate the country’s advertising code because it targeted existing smokers and was clearly for a non-tobacco product. Therefore, the ASA concluded that the ad was unlikely to encourage tobacco smoking among non-smokers.

ASA Adjudication on CN Creative Ltd, Complaint Ref: A13-243944 (2014).

  • United Kingdom
  • Jan 8, 2014
  • Advertising Standards Authority
Download Document

Parties

Plaintiff Unidentified complainant

Defendant CN Creative Ltd t/a Vype

Legislation Cited

Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP Code), Edition 12, Rule 1.3 (Responsible advertising)

Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP Code), Edition 12, Rule 4.5 (Harm and offence)

Related Documents

Type of Litigation

Tobacco Control Topics

Substantive Issues

Type of Tobacco Product

"The ASA noted that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes could be sold legally in the UK, were not a prohibited category under the CAP Code, and were therefore permitted to be advertised, within the confines of the CAP Code. We noted that the ad was headlined "A BIG DEAL FOR SMOKERS" and considered that clearly addressed the ad at current smokers. We also considered that the ad made clear that the ad was for an e-cigarette and that it therefore disassociated the product from a traditional tobacco cigarette. ... Because we considered that the ad targeted those who already smoked and was clearly for a nontobacco product, we concluded that it was unlikely to encourage tobacco smoking amongst non-smokers."