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EnergyConvenience store slammed for cheap booze child benefit offer
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An Irish convenience store group has withdrawn its 'Children's Allowance Day Deals', which offered parents cut price alcohol deals on the day they would be in receipt of their child benefit (formerly known as children's allowance).Related stories
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The Centra group, which operates as a franchise, has 462 stores across the Republic of Ireland. The Children's Allowance Day Deals ran in four stores – two in the country's capital Dublin as well as being promoted in stores in Wicklow and Offaly. The flyer contained an array of items on promotion, including pizza, cake and ice cream. The controversy centred on the inclusion of two alcohol products in the offer – a case of Miller beer for €15 (£12) and two cases of Budweiser beer available for €25 (£20).
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As awareness of the promotion grew, it attracted widespread criticism, including vocal opposition from government. Irish Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter condemned the promotion:
"It suggests that some retailers are more concerned with boosting their turnover and profits than selling alcohol responsibly.
"I am also shocked at the suggestion that allowances paid by the State for the benefit of children should be targeted in such a cynical manner by the retailers concerned".
Fianna Fáil Senator Averil Power expressed concern and surprise over the offer. "I am genuinely shocked to see a respected company and brand name like Centra associated with such a cynical and reckless promotion. Retailers have a duty to ensure alcohol is marketed in a responsible fashion", Senator Power said.
"Chidren's allowance is specifically provided to parents to help feed and clothe their kids. Centra's cynical promotion is insulting to parents who are struggling to pay for the basics and certainly won't be spending their money on beer."
Alcohol Action Ireland also condemned the promotion, as well as children's group Barnardos. The charity's chief executive Fergus Finlay said: "This promotion is insulting to parents and families all over Ireland who are already struggling to provide for their children."
Centra have since removed the promotion from the four stores and issued an apology for the promotion, explaining that marketing strategy was the decision of the individual store owners:
"Centra fully understands that the abuse of alcohol is a serious issue in Irish society and apologises for the promotion, which although isolated to four stores, is contrary to Centra's belief that retailers have a critical role to play in ensuring that alcohol is promoted and sold responsibly. Centra is today reminding all of its 462 retailers across the country to follow strict guidelines which are in place regarding the responsible promotion of alcohol."
According to Alcohol Action Ireland, over half of Irish of all Irish drinkers "have a harmful pattern of drinking" and one in 11 children cited parental alcohol abuse had negatively impacting their lives.
Advertising's most sexist ads
- Try quitting<p> <em>"A woman is only a woman but a good cigar is a smoke".</em> <em>Only</em> a woman? Feminists would take issue at the "only" adverb, and the idea that any human being of either gender is inferior to a cancer-inducing product from <strong>Benson & Hedges</strong>.</p> <p> <br /> Don't blame the ad men completely. That ad tag line is actually the evil work of one Rudyard Kipling. From a poem he penned called "The Bethrothed".</p>
- Target of desire<p> Now, does anyone have any questions about archery? Clearly <strong>Bear Archery</strong> in the 1970s thought this was clever: this time it's the woman's that's the hunter, not the man.<br /> <br /> She's also bare, of course, too. <em>Uh-huh</em>. The ad men who put this together must have thought they were very smart. <em>It's all about the hunt, guys.</em></p>
- The grateful sex<p> Now this <em>is</em> a creepy ad: <em>"I have created a playground for men's hands</em>." <strong>Armando Ghedini</strong> created wigs "for other men who adore women". This wig was also wash'n'wear. Nice.</p> <p> <br /> The thoughtful signor Ghedini had also designed a wig to be combed in any direction, "for men to tousle". Men, he said, become "inspired" by women who wore it and women, Ghedini added, were grateful.</p>
- VW's low point<p> VW advertising has often been self-deprecating and clever. In 1960s America their ads were phenomenally successful, persuading thousands of Americans to ditch large thirsty home-made offerings for the company's cramped, noisy but economical Beetle.<br /> <br /> Their ads flattered the intelligence of the American middle class. But this ad depicing a bashed-up VW bug? <em>"Sooner or later your wife will drive home one of the best reasons for owning a Volkswagen".</em> Not their female customers, clearly. What <em>were</em> they thinking?</p>
- Get them talking, pointing and complaining<p> Similarly, Easyjet<strong> </strong>also thought that a pair of ample breasts would be enough to help ticket sales. This ad dates back to 2003 when George Bush, Dick Cheney and Tony Blair were getting very animated about those hard-to-find weapons of mass destruction.</p> <p> <br /> This particular ad garnered around 200 complaints to the Advertising Council and also escaped any ticking off. And plenty of publicity of course. It all worked out beautifully for Easyjet. Tits away, Stelios.</p>
- It's typing, silly, not writing<p> Car manufacturers and cigarette companies are regular sexist offenders. Here Italian typewriter maker Olivetti peddles the idea that young women are passive, servants ready to transcribe boardroom minutes at a moment's notice.</p> <p> <br /> Where are Olivetti now in the global brand firmament?.<em> Join the Olivetti girls</em>. At ease, ladies, <em>please</em>.</p>
- A tad dated<p> Melon distributor F.H.Hogue of California thought his melons were pretty buxom and wanted to spread the word. Ho-ho, Mr Hogue.</p>
- Home sweet home<p> There are plenty more examples and we'll be looking at more anther time. In the meantime let's leave with a woman knowing exactly where she should be (in the home, honey).<br /> <br /> Here is a 1970s shoe ad from a brand called <strong>Weyenberg</strong>. You may find it hard to track down a Weyenberg shoe today however.</p>
- Not an automatic choice<p> However, not all car makers followed such a well-worn patronising path. Back in the 1970s Honda in the US reversed the idea that women always needed cars with simple, easy-to-drive automatic gearboxes.</p> <p> <br /> Despite offering both a manual and auto gearbox, neither was "a women's car" Honda stated firmly. Note the jaunty hat and jeans. A stab at selling to the US lesbian community? Or an independent straight girl fed up with stereotypes. Good for Honda.</p>
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