The marketing of e cigarettes has become a controversial topic and the ad from VIP has now added to its roster of criticisms. The ASA received 1,156 complaints, which were all themed around the overtly sexualised nature of the ad.

The first TV commercial shows a woman speaking directly into the camera, saying “I want you to get it out. I want to see it. Feel it, hold it. Put it in my mouth. I want to see how great it tastes.”

A man in the second set of ads says “Do you want to see it? I can get it out if you’d like. You can feel it hold it, put it in your mouth and see how great it tastes.”

Complainants raised the following issues with the ads

  • They were overly sexual in nature
  • They understood the term “vape” (the inhalation of vapour from e cigarettes), used in a sexual context, to be wordplay on the term “rape”
  • They were sexist, degrading and exploited women
  • They were irresponsible, because they sexualised and glamorised e cigarettes and smoking
  • They irresponsibly promoted a smoking related product, for which the health effects were yet to be established, to young viewers
  • A number of complainants challenged whether ads (a) and (c) were appropriately scheduled, because they could be viewed by children
  • One complainant challenged whether ad (a) was irresponsible, because it failed to carry an appropriate health warning associated with nicotine products

The commercial was originally cleared by Clearcast with a post 9pm restriction. In a statement to the ASA, Clearcast said it did not believe the TV ads degraded or exploited women, nor did it believe the ads were sexist. They also thought that the male actor s lines were suggestive, but were not demeaning or sexist.

The ASA said that the ad must not be broadcast again before 11pm. It also told VIP to ensure ads are not likely to cause serious or widespread offence in future and to ensure that they were appropriately scheduled.

E-cig myths: get the facts on electronic smoking

Ontario price cigarettes graph – gauloptigats23's soup

You ve probably heard rumors and speculation about e cigarettes, especially if you re currently a smoker. There are myths on just about everything out there e cigarettes are no exception.

The only way to dispel them is to learn as much as you possibly can to be able to distinguish fact from fiction, truth from propaganda.

The biggest factor in being able to trust your products is by choosing your company wisely, and paying attention to how much information they give you. Integrity goes very far in today s day and age. Here is a look at some of the most common myths regarding electronic cigarettes that have spread around, along with factual information clarifying these misleading claims.

Myth #1 E cigarettes will soon be illegal.

Fact Perhaps in some places, but not in the U.S. Some places have tried to ban them, but as e cigarettes become more mainstream and accepted, this is unlikely to happen.

Myth #2 E cigarettes are bad for you because nicotine is bad for you. Therefore, they are not much different than tobacco smoke.

Fact This is just plain wrong. While nicotine is very addictive, studies have shown its effects on the body to be minimal. The problem with traditional cigarettes is the additives, smoke and chemicals, not so much the nicotine.

Myth #3 E cigarettes are dangerous because no one really knows what s in them.

Fact Not the case when you are dealing with a reputable company. Any legit e cigarette brand will disclose ingredients, so you truly do know what s in them. And if you do your research on every ingredient, you ll definitely know what you re inhaling.

Myth #4 E cigarettes can explode in your face.

Fact Not true in general terms, unless you tinker with e liquid, use batteries not specified for your model, or plainly disregard instructions. Learn as much as you can beforehand, and you will see that the vast majority of e cigarettes will not explode in your face if you are using them according to the manufacturer s directions.

Myth #5 E cigarettes are more expensive than traditional cigs.

Fact Depends on the brand, but for the most part electronic cigarettes are generally more efficient in every way, especially when it comes to cost! EverSmoke, just like many brands, are priced very competitively, and refills cost significantly less than traditional cigarettes.

Myth #6 E cigarettes contain chemicals too.

Fact Again, depends on the brand, but generally no. If people are marketing and selling dangerous things, and falsifying them, chances are it will catch up big time. Choose your brand wisely, research the market, and go for a trusted brand.

Myth #7 E cigarettes can cause cancer, too

Fact Not true. Studies are emerging that dispel this myth. Electronic cigarettes contain no tobacco and leave behind no tar, so the main carcinogenic components are not present to create a problem, like cigarette smoke.

Myth #8 E cigarettes do not contain nicotine

Fact Yes and no. You can have cartridges with different levels of nicotine, ranging from 6mg 18mg with EverSmoke for instance, as well as 0mg nicotine cartridges if you choose to go that route. While the nicotine levels may vary, most electronic cigarette companies do offer nicotine free options.

Myth #9 E cigarettes taste bad.

Fact Not EverSmoke! If there is one thing our customers love, it s our great flavors! Everyone s got different tastes and different ideas of what s good, and especially in the early days of electronic cigarettes, there were many reports of them leaving a bad taste in the mouth. Things have changed since then however, and most brands recognize the importance of having pleasing flavors!

Myth #10 E cigarettes are more addictive than regular cigs.

Fact Not true. Maybe more addictive in the pleasurable sense and the convenience factors, but you will not crave the nicotine in electronic cigarettes any more than you did with tobacco.

Myth #11 Vapor from e cigarettes is just like second hand smoke.

Fact This could not be farther from the truth. Vapor is literally vapor, not smoke, or any tobacco byproduct or constituent. E cigarette vapor has no smell, no lingering odor, or anything to it that will offend bystanders.

Myth #12 E cigarette companies are trying to lure in nonsmokers.

Fact No! E cigarettes are made and designed for current smokers! Millions of people are using them as a means to control and lessen their cigarette usage, and smart e cigarette companies are not interested in acquiring nonsmokers.

Myth #13 E cigarettes are made with anti freeze.

Gross, and not true. This is perhaps one of the most common myths swirling about. Why would a company make themselves susceptible to lawsuits by using highly toxic chemicals in their products? Any brand that takes pride in their products, and plans to be around for the long term will not be using dangerous chemicals such as anti freeze in their products meant for consumption!

Myth #14 Kids and teenagers can purchase e cigarettes.

Fact This one is kind of funny. Kids and teenagers will have the same problems purchasing electronic cigarettes as they would purchasing tobacco cigarettes. You have to be a minimum of 18 years old, and 19 in certain states to purchase tobacco products. And as far as e cigarettes go, they contain nicotine. In this sense, they are considered tobacco products.

Myth #15 E cigarettes are designed to attract teenagers to use them, especially when it comes to the sweet flavors and trendy packaging.

Fact They are not made to appeal to children or underage people at all. You have to reach a certain age requirement to purchase electronic cigarettes just as you would if you were purchasing tobacco products. Nicotine is a substance not intended for use by minors, whether it s from tobacco products or vapor cigarettes. Exciting flavors and attractive packaging appeal to everyone, regardless of age. The range of age groups who electronic cigarettes crosses the spectrum, but doesn t include minors. You d be surprised how many elderly people love using e cigarettes, and love the different flavors they have at their choosing.

As with anything new, there are certainly going to be myths that get started, whether it s based on plain old misinformation, or more insidious reasons. Having the right facts and discussing them in the right way is key to dismantling these common myths.

If you ve heard some of these myths but have since gotten the facts and think e cigarettes may be for you, we invite you to check out our durable line of reputable devices today.