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

Chuckling Goat Ltd
- Upheld
- Transport, Website (own site)
- 13 May 2020
A poster ad and website claims by a food provider broke the rules by implying its products prevented, treated or cured human disease.
Mizkan Euro Ltd t/a Branston
- Not upheld
- Poster
- 13 May 2020
A poster ad for vinegar did not condone or encourage poor nutritional habits or an unhealthy lifestyle in children.
StubHub (UK) Ltd
- Upheld
- Poster
- 25 March 2020
A poster ad for a third-party reseller that claimed to guarantee genuine tickets would always be sold was misleading.
Vape Nation Ltd t/a 88Vape
- Not upheld
- Transport
- 18 March 2020
Two bus posters advertising vaping equipment did not directly target children.

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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