Share

Froth over Bok brew

Sanri van Wyk

Cape Town - SA Rugby has reported Windhoek Lager to the Advertising Standards Authority because of its use of the phrase "the green and gold beer" in one of its advertisements.

In its complaint, SA Rugby stated that Castle Lager, produced by the South African Breweries, is the official beer sponsor of the Springboks.

According to the complaint, the use of the phrase "green and gold beer" gives the impression that Windhoek Lager is the official sponsor.

SA Rugby stated in its complaint that the advertisement was broadcast round about June 16, midway through the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

SA Rugby further states that the official name of the tour is the "Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series".

SA Rugby further states that the use of the phrase on a dark green background with a gold border is purposefully chosen to make reference to the Springbok team.

According to SA Rugby, Castle, since its re-introduction to international rugby in 1992, has been sponsoring South African rugby in various ways and therefore no other beer has the right to refer to the SA Rugby trademark or the Springbok team.

SA Rugby further based their argument on the grounds that it clashed with the broadcasting code of conduct.

Brandhouse Beverages, who markets Windhoek Lager, in its defence, said that they have been marketing the colours of green and gold since 2002 in all marketing of the beer. According to Brandhouse, the term "green and gold" refers to the colours of the packaging of the beer.

Brandhouse insisted that they have been using this advertising campaign since July 2007.

ASA's decision-making board found that there was insufficient evidence that Brandhouse had transgressed the advertisement code . The decision-making board thus dismissed the complaint

They advised SA Rugby to lay a new complaint that is based on the sponsorship code.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE