DEBRA KELLY,
Madam, - I went to see the latest James Bond film, Die Another Day, recently. The film has a 12PG rating, which means it is deemed suitable for those over 12 years old.
Unfortunately the management of the cinema allowed children who looked much younger than 12 in to see the movie. There were numerous groups of children unaccompanied by adults. As the shopping centres are nearby, parents can leave their children in the cinema and return later when the film has ended. The cinema now appears to be used as an alternative babysitting service.
But unaccompanied and under-age children are the least of my concerns. The advertisements shown before the film were unsuitable for anyone under 18. There were two for a Christian organisation (Grace Fellowship, Dundalk) and three for alcohol - WKD Vodka, Carlsberg and Stella Artois.
With the recent media campaign highlighting alcohol abuse among young people, I find it disgusting that alcohol companies can advertise their products to such a young audience.
Anyone under 18 is not allowed legally to purchase alcohol and therefore should not be subjected to any advertisements for it. It is most irresponsible of cinema managements, advertisement agencies and the drinks companies to advertise alcohol products before the screening of a film suitable only for people of 12 years and older.
I took great offence to the advertisements for the religious organisations because I went to see a film for entertainment and not to be confronted by religious ideology.
I will continue to go to the cinema and will, unfortunately, continue to be disgusted by inappropriate advertisements until suitable controls are in place and adhered to. - Yours, etc.,
DEBRA KELLY,
Cobh,
Co Cork.