Sykes Cottages ignores advertising watchdog
Self-catering business Sykes Cottages has been accused of breaking advertising rules after boasting in an online listing that one of its properties was next to an ‘excellent’ pub, which had been closed for more than a year.
When the Advertising Standards Authority contacted the company after being alerted to the out of date material by a consumer, Sykes ignored its enquiries.
The ASA said it was concerned by Sykes’ lack of response ‘and apparent disregard’ for the advertising code of conduct.
"We reminded them of their responsibility to respond promptly to our enquiries and told them to do so in the future," it said.
The ASA said the details of the pub, which Sykes said offered ‘fine ale and an excellent menu’ would affect the decision of a ‘significant’ number of consumers and concluded that the ad was misleading.
"We told Sykes Cottages Ltd to ensure that its listings were up to date and accurately reflected consumers’ likely experiences," said the ASA, which has also referred the matter to its compliance team.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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