Dunedin nightclub cops complaint for promoting 'blackout' themed Uni event

A Dunedin nightclub has been caught up in a controversy surrounding an event that played on “blackout” drinking culture.

According to Stuff, a complaint was made over a social media post by Catacombs Nightclub for promoting a Hall Takeover event hosted by Unicol - University of Otago’s accommodation provider.

The night itself was titled ‘Black Out’, and an Instagram Stories caption read: “Who’s ready for black out?”

Another screenshot is said to have shown a crowded club, asking, “Who’s blacking out tonight?”

The Instagram Stories were only visible for 24 hours and are no longer available to view.

However, the screenshots were reportedly submitted as a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority by an anonymous Dunedin resident, on behalf of Communities Against Alcohol Harm, who were concerned about the event’s tone and messaging.

The resident who complained said the wording “portrays and represents irresponsible, harmful, and excessive consumption of alcohol,” and could be seen as normalising unsafe drinking.

Under the ASA’s self-regulatory process, advertisers are notified and given the option to voluntarily amend or withdraw the ad. In this case, the story had already expired its 24-hour access, and the complaint was settled.

According to Stuff, staff have been educated, and the club’s marketing approach has shifted, with alcohol and drinking now having “little to no visibility” on their social media pages.

The club seemingly enjoys a play on words, like “Balls Deep Every Weekend”, a promotion for its ball pit photo setup at the venue. 

Safe to say, the club will be a helluva lot more careful moving forward.