Poster and other out of home

It goes without saying ads on posters and billboards and in other outdoor public spaces, should not mislead, harm or offend. But the targeting and placement of these kinds of ads are also particularly important.

The way in which ads are targeted can have a significant bearing on their acceptability under the ad rules. Targeting is especially important when considering matters of taste and decency because the likelihood of an ad causing offence is inextricably linked to the attitudes of the people who see it.

For example fashion ads featuring semi-nude models may be acceptable in women’s glossy magazines but they wouldn’t be appropriate on posters or billboards in public spaces where they could be viewed by children.

Advertisers should also be mindful that the unsuitable targeting of ads for certain products automatically breaks the ad rules. For example, no medium with more than 25% of its audience under 18 years of age should be used to advertise an alcoholic drink.

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Latest rulings

British American Tobacco UK Ltd t/a Vype
- Not Upheld
- Poster
- 01 May 2019
A poster for Vype electronic cigarettes, seen on a bus shelter on 28 February 2019.
Zestify Media Ltd
- Upheld
- Television
- 10 April 2019
A TV ad for Zestify Media, seen on 5 January 2019, showed an epilator with a crossed out 'was' price of £39.99 and a 'now' price of £19.99. Alongside that was a pink circle that featured the claim "SAVE 50%".

View all rulings

Poster and other out of home

It goes without saying ads on posters and billboards and in other outdoor public spaces, should not mislead, harm or offend. But the targeting and placement of these kinds of ads are also particularly important.

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