Pub reprimanded over ‘Would you punch your ex in the face?’ advert
The advert, which appeared on the Facebook page of the George Pub & Grill, asked users: “Would you punch your ex in the face for a parmo?”
A complaint was registered with the ASA, which was upheld on the grounds that the advert was “not prepared in a socially responsible manner” and “was likely to cause serious offence”.
Serious offence
The Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham pub, which did not respond to the ASA’s enquiries, has been told the ad must not appear again in its current form, and the matter has been referred to the CAP (Committees of Advertising Practice) compliance team.
The ruling said: "The ASA considered that the phrase 'Punch your ex in the face' referred to domestic violence and was likely to cause serious offence. We considered that referring to domestic violence in an advert for a fast-food dish trivialised and condoned domestic violence and concluded that the ad was not prepared in a socially responsible manner.
“The ad must not appear again in its current form. We told the George Pub & Grill not to trivialise or condone domestic violence in its advertising. We referred the matter to the CAP compliance team.”
The Morning Advertiser attempted to reach the George Pub & Grill but have been unable to do so at the time of publishing.
Unwise memes
The Parmo is a breaded cutlet dish originating in Middlesbrough and a popular item of takeaway food in the north-east of England.
In May, a drinks company was scolded by the ASA for using memes that promoted “unwise” alcohol consumption.
Drink Doctor, a 24-hour Manchester-based alcohol delivery service, published four Facebook posts that could 'encourage socially irresponsible drinking', according to the ASA.
