ASA Adjudication on UKVapes Ltd

A radio ad for e-cigarettes mentioned a variety of vapor flavors, such as cherry and cola. A listener complained that the ad was irresponsible and could encourage children to use the product. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that the ad did not violate the country’s advertising code. Because the ad started with the statement “Do you smoke?” the ASA found that the ad was targeted at existing smokers. Additionally, the ASA found that the flavors referenced in the ad were not limited to those that would appeal only to children and, as a result, the ad was not irresponsible.

ASA Adjudication on UKVapes Ltd, Complaint Ref: A13-239752 (2013).

  • United Kingdom
  • Nov 20, 2013
  • Advertising Standards Authority
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Parties

Plaintiff Unidentified complainant

Defendant UKVapes Ltd

Legislation Cited

Committee of Advertising Practice Broadcast (BCAP) Code, Rule 1.2 (Social Responsibility)

Related Documents

Type of Litigation

Tobacco Control Topics

Substantive Issues

Type of Tobacco Product

"The ASA noted the ad started with the statement "Do you smoke?" which we considered clearly set out who the ad was targeted at. We also noted the ad contained a prominent cough and considered that emphasised that the target audience was existing smokers. We acknowledged the complainant's assertion that references to the various flavours could appeal to children. However, we considered that those flavours referenced were common to many products, and were not limited to those that would appeal only to children. We did not consider that the reference to the flavours in the ad would appeal to children and we concluded the ad was not irresponsible."