ASA Adjudication on Mirage Cigarettes Ltd

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) reviewed a television ad depicting a couple using electronic cigarettes in a sultry and glamorous manner. The couple was shown surrounded by heavy vapor, which appeared to be a result of the product being used off screen. The ASA found that the ad created a strong association with traditional tobacco smoking and that by depicting this behavior in a positive light, indirectly promoted the use of tobacco products in violation of the Advertising Code.  The ASA ordered the company not to broadcast the ads again in their current form.

ASA Ruling on Mirage Cigarettes Ltd, Complaint Ref: A15-292291 (2015).

  • United Kingdom
  • Apr 29, 2015
  • Advertising Standards Authority
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Parties

Plaintiff Five viewers of the ad

Defendant Mirage Cigarettes Ltd

Legislation Cited

Committee of Advertising Practice Broadcast (BCAP) Code, Rule 33.1 and 33.3 (Electronic cigarettes)

Related Documents

Type of Litigation

Tobacco Control Topics

Substantive Issues

Type of Tobacco Product

"While it was clear that the products shown were electronic cigarettes, because the ad created a strong association with traditional tobacco smoking and presented it as the central focus in a sultry and glamorous, and therefore in a positive way, we concluded that it indirectly promoted the use of tobacco products."