Advertising watchdog bans Au Vodka ads over under-18 breaches
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned three ads from Au Vodka after ruling they broke strict alcohol advertising rules by failing to protect under-18s and featuring people under the age of 25.
One TikTok post by influencer Lucinda Strafford, best known for appearing on ITV reality show Love Island, showed her using a gold Au Vodka vending machine and drinking a can of its Juicy Peach flavour.
Although Au Vodka argued that Strafford was over 25 and that her content was aimed at adults, the UK advertising regulatory body found the brand had failed to demonstrate that the advert was not likely to reach under-18s.
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It said TikTok’s algorithm and Love Island’s youth appeal meant the video could easily have been seen by children.
Two further ads were also banned for featuring influencers who were under 25. US-based streamer Kai Cenat, 23, was shown opening and drinking from a bottle of Au Vodka in a paid Facebook post. Another ad featured a 24-year-old woman pouring and drinking the product.
The ASA concluded all three posts breached the CAP Code and told Au Vodka to ensure future advertising is appropriately targeted and does not feature anyone under 25 in a significant role.



