ASA clears Asda’s ‘no Santa Claus’ TV adverts
An Asda campaign for a half-price toy sale that encouraged parents to stock up on presents for Christmas has been given the all clear by the advertising watchdog, despite complaints that it implied Santa Claus does not exist.
The Advertising Standards Authority has decided not to investigate the 40 complaints about an ad that finished with a voiceover saying: “Just make sure you have enough places to hide them”.
Complainants said the ad was inappropriately scheduled when children could be watching as it could lead to questions about why parents were hiding presents that would be delivered by Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
A spokesman for the ASA says because there was no reference to Santa Claus in the ad it was not harmful to children, adding all complainants have been informed of its decision not to investigate.
