Advertising watchdog bans Burger King tweet about 'milkshaking' Nigel Farage

The ASA says the tweet condoned “antisocial behaviour”.

A tweet by Burger King that allegedly condoned antisocial behaviour and encouraging political protesters to “milkshake” Brexit party leader Nigel Farage has been banned by the advertising watchdog.

The chain tweeted: “Dear people of Scotland. We’re selling milkshakes all weekend. Have fun. Love BK. #justsaying.” a day after it emerged that a McDonald’s restaurant in Edinburgh had been asked by police not to sell milkshakes because it was located within 200 metres of where Farage was to hold a rally, with protesters possibly throwing them.

Farage had previously been hit by a milkshake in Newcastle city centre, following similar incidents against far-right candidates in the European elections campaign. He was scheduled to make more public appearances in Scotland following the Burger King tweet.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) launched an investigation into whether the tweet broke UK advertising rules and should be banned after receiving 24 complaints.

“We considered that the [tweet] was likely to be seen as a reference to the recent incidents of ‘milkshaking’ political figures,” said the ASA. “We considered it would be understood as suggesting that Burger King milkshakes could be used by people to ‘milkshake’ Nigel Farage.”

“We considered that the ad condoned the previous antisocial behaviour and encouraged further instances,” the ASA continued. “We therefore concluded the ad was irresponsible. We told Burger King to ensure that its future marketing communications did not condone or encourage antisocial behaviour.”