In a decisive move against sexist advertising practices, the Municipality has ordered the removal of a controversial advertisement promoting poke bowls, which featured a naked woman suggestively holding the bowls instead of her breasts. This provocative campaign, which included the tagline asking if viewers had tried the poke dishes, sparked outrage and highlighted ongoing issues of gender representation in advertising. Authorities, recalling a council resolution from 2013 aimed at eliminating derogatory gender stereotypes, deemed the advertisement as ‘abusive’ and in violation of local regulations.

The council's unanimous resolution from a decade ago reflects a longstanding commitment by local authorities to address the exploitation and objectification of women in advertising. According to municipal regulation, any advertisement that can be seen as demeaning, stereotyping, or overly sexualized is strictly prohibited. The Istituto di Autodisciplina Pubblicitaria (IAP) and the Road Code have put in place specific guidelines banning any advertising that portrays women in a manner that is not aligned with the product being offered, further reinforcing the need for responsible media representation.

This action not only serves to uphold community standards and values but also signals a broader societal shift towards recognizing and addressing issues associated with gendered imagery in marketing. By taking a stand against such advertising tactics, the Municipality aims to foster a more respectful environment and encourage businesses to adopt more ethical advertising practices that do not perpetuate harmful stereotypes. This serves as an important reminder of the ongoing challenges in achieving equality in public representation, resonating beyond local boundaries as a part of a global movement against sexist advertisements.