Ad that says armless people can’t beat a drum is ruled offensive by watchdog

The Ad Standards Board has ruled against a radio ad promoting a car yard which said it prices would not be beaten – like a drum next to somebody without arms.

The ASB said that the reference in the ad from Queensland-based Llewellyn Motors had the “potential to make people think less of a person with a disability”.

The radio ad – which aired on Grant Broadcasters’ River 94.9 – featured the jingle: “We can’t be beaten!”, with a voiceover referring to “Llewellyn Holden… won’t be beaten… Just like a drum…that’s next to a guy with no arms”.

The complaint to the ASB said: “I referred this to the radio company and they believe that this is comedy? It is offensive, extremely poor comedy if that and totally unnecessary to the ad’s intended audience and message.”