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 complaint said the advert mimicked the actions of a person using a marijuana bong, and was targeting youth. 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 co-operated and amended the advert, the authority did not take further action.