A BILLBOARD advert has caused a bit of a ruckus on the streets of Nicosia, sparking dozens of complaints from members of the public angry at its explicit contents.
The ad is for clothes’ chain Replay, and shows a close-up of a woman’s behind, as she lifts her skirt up to reveal her thong. With her legs partly open and leaving little to the imagination, several people have contacted the capital’s municipalities to express their distaste.
“We have received a number of phone calls from members of the public, in regard to the advertisement,” an official at Engomi Municipality said yesterday. Engomi is one of the areas where the advert takes pride of place near two junctions.
A male Engomi resident pointed out that, as an advert, there was nothing clever or pretty to notice about it, “It just has a bare bum. A very nice bum,” he laughed, “but I have absolutely no idea what it is advertising.”
His wife found it rather more difficult to be amused. “There is absolutely no need for it, in my opinion. What is the point in projecting such a large image of a woman’s behind. There’s no meaning to the advert, you can’t even determine what it is exactly that it’s promoting?”
So what is going to be done?
The police, municipalities and Ethics Committee all washed their hands of responsibility yesterday when contacted by the Mail.
Engomi Municipality explained their job was to approve the location for where the ad is to be placed. “We don’t give licensing for the contents of an advertisement, we approve of the location where it will be placed. That is clearly between Replay and the advertising company.”
The police can only interfere when it comes to advertising through the media, said a police spokesman. Billboards do not fall within their authority.
The Ethics Committee also can’t intervene unless the advert appears in the media. But Petros Petrides, secretary of the Committee, did say that he would be bringing the matter up during the Committee’s next meeting, scheduled for Monday.
“I will suggest we discuss the specific advert and see what can be done about it,” he said. “As things stand, we have absolutely no authority to take the posters down. But, if we decide it necessary, we can make a recommendation on behalf of the Ethics Committee.
“There is no real harm in the advertisement in my opinion; apart from an increased danger of road accidents!” joked Petrides. “Not just for men, but for women too. I have seen the advert myself and I must admit, it is quite eye-catching.”
