Pixies Place Forums - 'Cheeky' Dartboard Ad Deemed Offensive

LONDON,(Reuters) - An advertisement for a talking dartboard featuring a cartoon of a topless woman with targets over her breasts was condemned by Britain's advertising watchdog on Wednesday for condoning violence against women.
The ad, which appeared in the Burton menswear Christmas catalog, included text inviting players to "Hit the target and I squeal with delight!" and "Didn't feel a thing, big boy ... that hit the spot!"

Arcadia Group Brands, which owns Burton, said they had received 22 complaints about the ad, noting that the board's "cheeky sounds" were intended as tongue-in-cheek.

It added that the dartboard was one of a number of adult-themed and novelty items for sale during the Christmas period only and had been extremely popular.

The Advertising Standards Authority upheld complaints that the advert was likely to cause "serious offence" and was unsuitable for sale in a "family" shop. It told Arcadia to seek advice before advertising the product again.