Paddy Power In Trouble Over Suggestive Advert Complaints about a suggestive advert for bookmaker Paddy Power showing two schoolchildren kissing on a park bench are being investigated by the advertising watchdog. In the advert, the boy has his arm around the girl who has 'Evens' written across her blouse and '2-1' shown on her skirt. The content sparked complaints from members of the public who claimed the advert was 'irresponsible' and an 'offence' and said it encouraged underage sex. The advert is one of three by Paddy Power underinvestigation by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The ASA said it had so far received a total of 34 complaints for the teenagers and toddlers advert and one for the toilet roll advert. Paddy Power was ordered to withdraw a poster two years ago after the ASA ruled it was offensive to old people. The advert made fun of two elderly women crossing the road in the path of an oncoming lorry. It led to 49 complaints, including one from Age Concern. Barni Evans, marketing director at Paddy Power, said: 'We researched these adverts carefully before we even commissioned them. If you look at the television or outside advertising you could easily find 50 more offensive adverts.' The ASA is due to rule on all three adverts over the coming weeks. John Beyer, director of Mediawatch, said: 'Decent, honest and true the advertisers may be but they should take into account taste. I hope the ASA uphold the complaints because clearly quite a lot of people seem to be dismayed and offended by theseadvertisements.
