Lap-Dancing, Striptease Acts and Topless Waitresses

Advertisements for bars and clubs which refer to lap-dancing, striptease acts or topless waitresses need particular care. References to 'cabaret' striptease and topless dancing are acceptable if they take place on a stage or in the public arena of the bar or club. 'Private' dances, lap-dancing or striptease acts that take place in private may not be advertised.

The RACC recommends that stations impose scheduling restrictions that take account of whether children are likely to be listening (under 16s).


Laser Treatments for Hair Removal, Tattoo Removal, Sight Correction and Skin Re-Surfacing

Laser treatments for the above treatments may be advertised, subject to evidence of the clinicians' professional qualifications and RACC clearance.

In the case of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) systems, assurances should be provided that operating training has been received.

In the case of skin re-surfacing to help reduce wrinkles, for fine lines and acne, supporting literature must clarify any side effects, prior to treatment. Claims of 'could help reduce' are allowed. In the case of hair removal by laser, supporting literature must clarify that several treatments may be required and that hair removal may not be permanent. Copy must neither state nor imply that hair removal is permanent. The claim 'in many cases, permanent hair reduction may be achieved' has been approved.

Copy must not state or imply that hair removal by laser is painless. In some cases it may be acceptable to claim that there is minimal discomfort caused.

Advertisements must not claim that hair removal by laser is safe. However, this claim has been approved for the IPL systems.


'Legal to Sell, Illegal to Use' Products

Any product that is legal to sell but illegal to use may not be accepted for advertising.


'Limited'

Use of the phrase 'for a limited period' is permissible where the offer is available for six months or less. If this claim is made by record companies/music publishers, the time period is three months or less.

Use of the phrase 'limited edition' and similar must be backed by supporting evidence.


Lotteries

Only the following lotteries (which are registered under the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976) can be advertised:

Illegal lotteries are prize promotions based on luck/chance which are dependent on purchase. (See 'Competitions').


'Lowest Prices'

You can claim 'lowest/cheapest prices' only if the advertiser has a published Price Promise and if the nature of the Promise is explained in the copy, e.g. 'If you find X cheaper elsewhere, we'll double the difference'. Alternatively, if details of the Price Promise are made available in-store, the copy may read 'We won't be beaten on price - see our/ask for our Price Promise in-store'.

If there are important limitations attached to the Price Promise, these should be referred to in the copy.


'Lowest Prices Guaranteed'

You can claim 'lowest/cheapest prices guaranteed' only if the advertiser has a published Price Guarantee whose written terms are available to consumers at the point of sale; if the advertiser conducts regular, ongoing price monitoring of his competitors' prices to ensure that his remain the lowest; and if the advertiser confirms that, in the event of any challenge to his 'lowest/cheapest prices guaranteed' claim, he will refund the customer by doing more than just matching the lower-found price and he will reduce his price to the lower-found price immediately.