An example of the rules relating to advertising standards has come to the public’s attention this week. The Daily Telegraph reviewer, Charles Spencer, described the Shawshank Redemption as “superbly gripping, genuinely uplifting drama”. The quote was used by the producers of the current West End play as publicity for their show. However, it seems that the quote did not refer to the play, but rather to the film starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman.

Mr Spencer’s review made it plain that he considered the play inferior to the film “in almost every respect”.

The Advertising Standards Authority deals with posters on legitimate poster sites, but shop window displays and in store adverts are dealt with by Trading Standards. Since 2008, it has been unlawful to sell something that a person would not have otherwise purchased using adverts with misleading omissions. It could be argued that the selective use of text from Mr Spencer’s review falls foul of this rule.

The case is under review by Westminster City Council.