The Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB) has upheld complaints about a promotional flyer featuring the word 'fuck' posted on a Wollongong nightclub's Facebook page, after complaints from consumers.
The flyer, promoting a then-upcoming event at HostageX Nightclub on 16 June, has the words 'cheap as fuck drinks' printed in the top left-hand corner.
The ASB fielded complaints about the use of inappropriate language on the club's publicly-viewable Facebook page where children could see it.
“Coarse language doesn't need to be used to sell something and if my children were to see this or some persons that are more offended by it,” wrote one complainant.
HostageX did not submit a response to the complaints.
The ASB stated the use of the term 'cheap as fuck drinks' was “intended to appeal or relate to a young crowd” most likely to attend the event, but “the phrase used is language that is still considered strong if not obscene by the broader community”.
“The location of the advertisement meant it would be available to a wide audience and that in the context of the internet and social media the prominent use of such language is inappropriate,” wrote the ASB.
The ASB upheld the complaint and the advertiser has agreed to remove the ad from the club's Facebook page.
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