Sign ruled too sexy
Nightclub ordered to remove these images
BUSINESS leaders say the decision to remove a raunchy ad from a Surfers Paradise nightclub is in tune with the push to boost a family friendly image.
The nightclub, MP’s, has been ordered to remove a sign following a complaint to the advertising watchdog, Ad Standards.
The ad, which can be seen from the Orchid Avenue arcade, depicts two women dressed in black lingerie, one with handcuffs and the other with a riding crop, and a second image of a man wearing white underwear exposing his abs.
The Ad Standards Community Panel deemed the images of the women to be “highly sexualised”.
The panel also said that images of men and women in their underwear were not directly relevant to the nightclub product.
Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw said the watchdog’s action fitted in with the changing face of the precinct. “I haven’t seen the advertisement but it is part of what we are seeing in general, a change towards sharing the space with families,” Mr Winlaw said.
Mr Winlaw said the shift towards a more family friendly feel was a calculated business decision.
Events such as the Sand Safari, Kids Week and other family activities had helped Cavill Ave achieve a family image.
“Over the years it has always been known as a nightlife area and driven significantly by the night economy,” Mr Winlaw said.
“The day traders did suffer because of it, but now we are seeing both day and night grow in Surfers as businesses invest more in families and in the daytime.”
MP’s spokeswoman Claire Kingston said the posters were “not out to offend anyone”, but would be changed.
“We weren't meaning anything by them, it was just a bit of fun. You see similar images in lingerie stores out the front of Myer,” she said.