On May 22, 2012, Sverdlovsk Region division of Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service declared the outdoor ad of KODU interior design boutique distributed by Sign & Hold inappropriate, as the ad demonstrates the process of smoking, the agency’s press service reports.

The proceedings against Sign & Hold were instituted on April 26, 2012 when a complaint was placed by a private individual regarding an improper KODU ad on the front side of an apartment block. The ad was considered inappropriate because it demonstrated the process of smoking.

Sverdlovsk Region division of Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service detected that the ad used the image of a dog holding a smoking cigar in its jaws.

According to Article 5 (Part 5, Paragraph 3) of the Advertising Act, advertisements must not contain any images related to smoking. The ban applies not only to tobacco, tobacco products, and smoking accessories, but also to advertisements dedicated to other products.

Under Article 38 of the Advertising Act, it is the account who bears the liability for violating Article 5 of the Advertising Act.

It was Architector Shopping Center/ KODU interior design boutique who was the account for this ad. This is the market name of Sign & Hold, and the account is one of the shopping center’s tenants.