Cheeky post removed after complaint
Christchurch bar owner Philip Kraal has been taken to task for satirical advertisements claiming gin is a natural remedy for kidney and liver disease.
The Advertising Standards Authority partly upheld the complaint from H Crozier, and Kraal immediately took down the advertisement on WHET Bar’s Facebook page.
‘‘I assume that the public really do not believe that gin prevents wrinkles or is an antioxidant that will relieve bloating. We all know that gin will not prevent hay fever nor could it possibly be a remedy for liver or kidney disease,’’ Kraal said.
He said he had a good 26-year relationship with the Liquor Licensing Authority, which he didn’t want to jeopardise, and had never fielded a complaint before.
‘‘We just clip and paste humorous stuff that’s all over the internet,’’ Kraal said.
The post on WHET Bar’s Facebook page was titled, ‘‘Public Health Message. Did you know that gin is one of the best natural remedy’s [sic] for kidney and liver disease?
‘‘Now this may seem somewhat ironic, however juniper berries, which gin is made from, help stop water retention in your body. Allowing you to pass more water than any other alcohol.
‘‘This means that more harmful toxins and bacteria are flushed out your system.’’
The complainant said WHET Bar had gone too far in promoting the health benefits of drinking gin.
The ASA complaints board said the intended humour of the advertisement did not save it from breaching the Code for Advertising and Promotion of Alcohol, but said it had not encouraged excessive drinking or promoted alcohol as a more attractive lifestyle choice.
The board ruled the complaint was upheld in part and not upheld in part.