Burger King alters ‘bong’ advert after complaints

Fast-food giant Burger King has edited a television advertisement following complaints it glorified drug use. The Advertising Standards Authority received two complaints about the advert, which featured ‘‘a slurping sound’’ as a voiceover said: ‘‘Temperatures are high, so cool off with Burger King’s summer treats.’’ One of the complaints said the advert mimicked the actions of a person using a marijuana bong, was targeting youth and was highly irresponsible. Burger King New Zealand said a drug reference was never ‘‘the intent’’, and it had updated the material ‘‘to avoid any confusion’’. Because the company had cooperated and amended the advert, the authority did not take further action.