The laughter stops after ASA takes issue with London Comedy Club’s website claims
The ASA has investigated the company behind the London Comedy Club for the third time in three years. Why didn’t it see the funny side this time? Tom McGinn reports.
All Articles in Misleading advertising
GAP defends 40% off promotion
An e-mail headline said “Everything under the sun. It’s all 40% off…excluding sale items.” Small print below said” Offer applies to select products as indicated [in store]” Surely this was not misleading? Stephen Groom and Anna Kehely report on the ASA’s finding.
Universal Utilities/Unicom hit by £200,000 Ofcom fine
Following complaints from small businesses, Ofcom investigated mis-selling practices involving alleged misrepresentations as to the likely cost and other implications of changing landline provider. Was compensation also ordered? Thomas Spanyol reports.
Adidas challenges Nike (implied) shoe claim in the Hamburg Higher Regional Court
Not all the 50 footballers in advertising for Nike’s training program alongside the phrase “Improve your game with Nikefootball+” on a shoebox were sponsored by Nike. Some used shoes by Adidas, who sued. Stephan Bahner of OC Cologne reports.
Homebase price comparison probed by ASA
A sales promotion shelf label said “Normal price £139.99 today £118.99” .A complaint suggested the higher price had only applied for a few days before the promotion, with £111.99 the price for some weeks beforehand. Fiona Schneider reports.
CMA takes action on short term car rentals
“First choice” claim challenged
Join the first choice for single travellers,” said a flyer and brochure for holiday company Solitair. Small print said the claim was “for trade mark purposes” and “did not imply to any sales or revenue.” What did it all mean? Fiona Schneider reports on the ensuing ASA case.
ASA aims for more impact in 2014 Annual Report
Did online advertising finally overtake TV in the complaint stakes? Was “leisure” the most complained about sector again? How many ASA decisions were successfully appealed? What are the ad super-regulator’s goals for 2015? Thomas Spanyol reports.
Which? lodges grocery market super complaint
After research into a range of supermarket pricing practices, the consumer body “Which?” has lodged a “super complaint” with the Competition and Markets Authority concerning “misleading and opaque” pricing practices in the grocery market. Claire Temple reports.
Could Amazon repel complaints over mosquito repelling apps?
The ASA received complaints about two apps listed on Amazon.co.uk claiming to be able to repel mosquitos by emitting ultrasonic sounds. Was Amazon able to pass the buck to the third party developers? Tom McGinn reports.
ASA probes DSG Retail/Currys “£159 save £90” claim
A TV ad for a Currys promotion included the voiceover “LG wireless sound bar, only £159, save £90.” The complainant, who bought the product for £179.99 the previous week. challenged the ad. Thomas Spanyol reports.
“Made in Sweden” is OK for a car made in Belgium
The ASA received three complaints about a Volvo radio ad with the end line “Made in Sweden, tuned in Britain.” The alleged problem was that the car in question was not made in Sweden. Vicki Hawkins reports.
