Too hot for Halloween: Ban on Ann Summers ad

A HALLOWEEN radio advert for lingerie retailer Ann Summers has been banned for causing likely offence to listeners.

The Radio Advertising Clearance Centre (RACC) blocked the advert, which a spokesman said contained "fairly overt sexual references in terms of sound effects", despite Ann Summers applying for a post-watershed time-slot.

The ad begins with the sound of screams, which are later replaced by "screams of pleasure", according to the retailer.

A voice-over can then be heard to say: "Tight. Short. Low-cut. Ann Summers' dead sexy Halloween outfits with 5 off. In stores, online and at parties."

An RACC spokesman said the ad breached regulations governing taste and offence according to acceptable general standards. He said: "The ad contains fairly overt sexual references in terms of sound effects.

"We believed that it was too strong for broadcast on commercial radio."

Ann Summers chief executive Jacqueline Gold said: "We have appealed against the decision made by the RACC and would love to know what the great British public think."

An Ann Summers spokeswoman said: "The response from the RACC has made us question, 'What is too sexy?'

"We believe Britons are broad-minded and would understand the topical and cheeky nature of our advert.