Real estate flasher ruled against by Ad Standards Board

An outdoor ad for real estate agency The Professionals has been banned by the Ad Standards Board because it depicted material that is contrary to community standards.

The ad displayed on a billboard features a man wearing a coat, socks and shoes, and holding his coat open alongside the slogan ‘Expose Yourself!’.

Complaints received by the Ad Standards Board (ASB) include: “I find this ad offensive. It is using a criminal offence to sell property. Real estate companies should not have to resort to this type of advertising. Exposing yourself should be condemned. It is a grubby sign. Children should not have to see this ad, which is on a main road.”

The advertiser argued: “This advertisement was produced with a ‘play on words’ concept due to the high level of exposure that the property for sale offers. The content and graphic used was in no way designed to cause offence and was in no way deemed inappropriate or of any sexual nature nor is there any nudity portrayed.