Monday, October 17, 2011

London Olympics streaking £20k fine

London Olympics streaking £20k fine
London Olympics streaking £20k fine, Streakers who use their bodies to advertise during the Olympics could face a £20,000 fine under new rules.


The London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Act 2006 is being tweaked to target people who attempt marketing stunts during the tournament.

If Parliament approves the plan, ambush marketing at the games would become a magistrates' court offence.

A man invaded a diving event at the Athens 2004 Olympics with a brand daubed on his bare chest.

A Culture Department spokesman said: "It is possible advertising on the body could lead to a fine of £20,000.

"It is about trying to stop potential ambush marketing.

"Sponsors pay a large amount of money to be the official sponsors of the games."

No advertising or other commercial branding is allowed at the Olympics from companies which are not sponsors.

There was controversy in the 1996 Olympics - sponsored by Reebok - when sprinter Linford Christie wore Puma logo contact lenses.

A Department of Culture spokesman said the act would not apply to those streaking without logos - although there may still be legal ramifications.

Source: bbc