Hotel chain starts Christmas ads

Most companies begin their Christmas campaigns in the autumn

Radio listeners in central Scotland could be forgiven for checking their calendars this week as the first Christmas adverts of the year begin.

A local hotel chain is already promoting its Christmas 2010 parties and discos in newspapers, and said its radio campaign would begin soon.

Anne Hardy, from Aurora Hotels, said it was "normal practice" to advertise festive packages in March.

"We've had 4,500 people book for Christmas parties already," she said.

Most companies begin their Christmas campaigns in September or October, and even then often come under fire for starting too early.

I've had one of my receptionists in tears because an abusive woman objected to our Christmas jingle she'd just heard on the radio Anne Hardy, Aurora Hotels

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) warns on its website that early Christmas advertising can result in a "steady flurry of complaints".

The ASA says: "For some, the sight of Christmas advertisements on TV or on billboards and magazines before December is infuriating and unjustified."

The authority adds it is not an area it regulates.

Ms Hardy admitted the company had received complaints in the past, but said it did not deter the chain from starting its Christmas campaign early.

"I've had one of my receptionists in tears because an abusive woman objected to our Christmas jingle she'd just heard on the radio," she said.

"I have to laugh when I see businesses advertising in September to 'book early for Christmas'. That's really late for us."