Facebook and TikTok Au Vodka adverts banned

TIKTOK and Facebook advertisements for a popular Welsh vodka brand have been prohibited for appealing to underage youngsters, a watchdog has announced.

- ROBERT HARRIES and JOSIE CLARKE

A TikTok video by social media personality Lucinda Strafford in June depicted her loading a vending machine bearing the Au Vodka branding with cans of Au Vodka Juicy Peach, before sampling one and declaring: "That is so good." The caption stated “an actual DREAM OMG [hearts emoji] [peach emoji] unlimited Juicy Peach cans [smiling face with tears emoji] & I can keep it?! @Au Vodka ad”.

A sponsored Facebook advertisement in June featured footage of influencer Kai Cenat unwrapping a package containing a bottle of Au Vodka and consuming it, with accompanying text stating: “Haven't Tried Au Vodka Yet? Secure The Taste Of The Summer, Au Vodka Juicy Peach [peach emoji] Essences of summer in every sip. [palm tree emoji] Shop Now Pay Later Available [credit card emoji].”

Another Facebook advertisement in April displayed a woman declaring “you need to try this” before presenting a bottle of Au Vodka Juicy Peach to the camera.