Newcastle Club Promoter Koosday Forced to Pull 'I Don't Want To Die Sober' Advert

A nightclub promotions company has been forced to remove an ad campaign that showed a man slumped against a car alongside text stating "I don't want to die sober".

The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has taken the unusual step of ordering Newcastle club promoter Koosday to immediately remove the ad, which was plastered on car bonnets and advertised club nights in the city's bars.

But critics have said the advert irresponsibly linked alcohol with driving, and the ASA has raised its own concerns that it could encourage excessive drinking and therefore be irresponsible.

The advertising watchdog has also highlighted that the ad was placed on cars belonging to university students and was likely to be seen by other students when parked on campus.

The adverts have been withdrawn pending a fast-track investigation by the ASA, the findings of which have not yet been published.

Koosday confirmed that the ad has been withdrawn and Uni Car Ads which provided the ad space, also confirmed its full cooperation to have the ads removed immediately from circulation.

Alcohol advertising - the rules

Marketing communications for alcoholic drinks should not be targeted at people under 18 and should not imply, condone or encourage immoderate, irresponsible or anti-social drinking

They also must not:

• be socially responsible and must contain nothing that is likely to lead people to adopt styles of drinking that are unwise
• claim or imply that alcohol can enhance confidence or popularity
• include a sales promotion which implies, condones or encourages excessive consumption of alcohol
• neither link alcohol with seduction, sexual activity or sexual success, nor imply that alcohol can enhance attractiveness
• be portrayed as a challenge
• be likely to appeal particularly to people under 18, especially by reflecting or being associated with youth culture

Source: Committee of Advertising Practice