ASA Ruling on Lightercase Inc.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) reviewed a sponsored Facebook ad for a mobile phone case containing a built in cigarette lighter. The ad depicted a cigarette being lit followed by the text “TAG SOMEONE WHO CAN USE THIS.” The ASA noted that, although there are no advertising restrictions on cigarette lighters, the ad presented smoking in a positive light and could not be used again in its current form. 

ASA Ruling on Lightercase Inc, Complaint Ref: A14-289148 (2015).

  • United Kingdom
  • Mar 11, 2015
  • Advertising Standards Authority
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Parties

Plaintiff Unidentified complainant

Defendant Lightercase Inc

Legislation Cited

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

Related Documents

Type of Litigation

Tobacco Control Topics

Substantive Issues

Type of Tobacco Product

None

"The ASA noted the ad neither explicitly encouraged non-smokers to start smoking nor existing smokers to continue, and acknowledged that tobacco was a legally available product and there were no specific restrictions on the advertising of cigarette lighters. However, we considered the combination of the image of the lit cigarette and the encouragement to "TAG SOMEONE WHO CAN USE THIS" presented smoking in a positive light, and that the overall impression of the ad was that it normalised and condoned smoking and presented it in an appealing manner. We concluded the ad was therefore irresponsible."