Brands ban at Olympic torch event 'ridiculous' say traders (From Oxford Mail)

LOCOG have it all their own way, don't they. How proud they must be to have two of the largest American junk-food sellers as sponsors. If you bring your own food to eat an any Olympic competition events it will be confiscated, leaving you either at risk of dehydration or paying £3 for 250mls of water.

What a shame the Olympics has become a massive commercial con rather than the iconic, noble competition it used to be.

"Traders can also only sell soft drinks that are sold exclusively from the Coca-Cola product range ..."

Pathetic.

The simple solution is for NO-ONE to apply for a stall.
Then we can all but our BMWs in peace.

I would suggest all traders flout the restrictions, if LOCOG don't like it they can route the torch somewhere else.
The Olympics are meant to be for everybody, and people shouldn't have to bow to pressure from a huge conglomerate, especially an American one, sponsoring the "British" Olympics.

The Olympics is just a huge marketing joyride. Such a huge shame it's turned into this.

"...WHEN it was announced the Olympic Torch would pass through Oxford, it was hoped the city would see a huge boost in business..." - I found this statement puzzling really. Just how "huge" do they think it will be? I don't know anyone yet that is thinking 'ooh the torch is coming through here. Let's go buy stuff.'

It's a sporting event that is turning into a marketing frenzy. I can't turn the tv on these days without seeing an advert ending with "proud sponsors of London 2012". None of this makes me want to purchase one product over another so what is the benefit of this? Does anyone seriously consider their purchase based on whether the company is a sponsor of the Olympics or not? Maybe I'm missing something here...

I used to look forward to the Olympics as it was quite a spectacle to watch the opening ceremony and then see the world's elite sportsmen and sportswomen competing for the ultimate title. Now that marketing has got its claws stuck into it, it feels like a horse being flogged and from my perspective it is close to the point of being an ex-horse.

By the time the games turns up on the tv I shall be so bored senseless of hearing about it. Saying that as soon as it's over no doubt we shall start seeing Christmas adverts on the tv.

Dilligaf2010 wrote:
I would suggest all traders flout the restrictions, if LOCOG don't like it they can route the torch somewhere else.
The Olympics are meant to be for everybody, and people shouldn't have to bow to pressure from a huge conglomerate, especially an American one, sponsoring the "British" Olympics.

Absolutely! I agree with that. If eeveryone ignored them they wouldn't be able to prosecute everyone.

I'd encourage all traders to ignore the restrictions.

It's the BRITISH olympics, so we should be promoting BRITISH products, not American junk!

Oxford is an older and stronger brand than any of the sponsors.

i know someone with a shop in london near the games. To stop them having advertising during the games the organisers are erecting a huge billboard outside so the shops can't be seen. Go figure. I say everyone should put livery on their cars for things like British Lamb, Marks & Spencer, their local pub, whatever. Then drive all around east oxford getting in front of as many media cameras as possible.

Lady Penelopee wrote:
I'd encourage all traders to ignore the restrictions.

It's the BRITISH olympics, so we should be promoting BRITISH products, not American junk!

The problem is the lovely Penny, being that BRITISH companies did not bid enough for the sponsor ship. These exclusive deals now cover all major sporting events, and The olympics are no different. Now if only amateurs were allowed to take part then I may agree with the above posters, but The Olympics are now no different than the World Cup with multi-millionaire athletes taking part. Sad, but it is the world in which we live. P.S. Drinking water will be free from various fountains placed around the Stadium to fill your own (unbranded) container.

Dilligaf2010 wrote:
I would suggest all traders flout the restrictions, if LOCOG don't like it they can route the torch somewhere else. The Olympics are meant to be for everybody, and people shouldn't have to bow to pressure from a huge conglomerate, especially an American one, sponsoring the "British" Olympics.

I think you will find that flouting the restrictions is actually ILLEGAL - the government passed a law to this effect last year. You will be prosecuted and given a criminal conviction for selling non-Coke products at this event.

I suggest that everyone protest in the most effective way - by boycotting all olympic events.

Severian wrote:

Dilligaf2010 wrote:
I would suggest all traders flout the restrictions, if LOCOG don't like it they can route the torch somewhere else. The Olympics are meant to be for everybody, and people shouldn't have to bow to pressure from a huge conglomerate, especially an American one, sponsoring the "British" Olympics.

I think you will find that flouting the restrictions is actually ILLEGAL - the government passed a law to this effect last year. You will be prosecuted and given a criminal conviction for selling non-Coke products at this event.

I suggest that everyone protest in the most effective way - by boycotting all olympic events.

So Coke is OK, that'll make the athletes happy ;)

I'm going to stage a sit-in during the entire Olympics session. I'm going to sit on my sofa with a stack of Bacon sarnies (locally produced, of course) some digestives, a cask of English Ale, lardy cake from Steventon and a stack of Porridge, The Professionals and The Two Ronnies DVDs. Maybe the Oxford Mail would like to cover this act of civil disobedience?

Severian wrote:

Dilligaf2010 wrote:
I would suggest all traders flout the restrictions, if LOCOG don't like it they can route the torch somewhere else. The Olympics are meant to be for everybody, and people shouldn't have to bow to pressure from a huge conglomerate, especially an American one, sponsoring the "British" Olympics.

I think you will find that flouting the restrictions is actually ILLEGAL - the government passed a law to this effect last year. You will be prosecuted and given a criminal conviction for selling non-Coke products at this event.

I suggest that everyone protest in the most effective way - by boycotting all olympic events.

It'll be interesting when it rains (which is pretty much undoubted).

Out'll come the hundreds of inappropriately branded umbrellas at these events.

Even the co-ordinators will be baffled.

For example, which of these set pairs could get you a criminal record?

McDonalds or MacDonalds

Lloyds TSB or Lloyds TSB Scotland

Royal Bank of Scotland or Bank of Scotland

ATOC or Atos

2012 or MMXII

I wonder if Aziz would mind other businesses advertising in his restaurant for free?

I'm no fan of advertising full stop but if you accept the Capitalist model and even actively take part in it by having your own branding, copyright, marketing and other business practices then you are hardly in the best place to moan when others engaging in the same Capitalist enterprises outflank you.

I have to say I'd much rather Coke etc pay for c.30% of the Games than the British Taxpayer, and if they think the brand association is worth the money, then let them have all the branding they like. It's costing us enough already. It's entirely our choice, as traders, to get involved or not

Boycott the event, come to Marsh park and create a real community event...... the local people need to grow a pair and tell the council where to go

Boycott the event, come to Marsh park and create a real community event...... the local people need to grow a pair and tell the council where to go

they say the sponsers payed 2bn and the tax payers i guess they have no say

70 days of sad people turning up to watch a cheese grater with a flame, all created to ensure the sponsors get the maximum value from the TV coverage. Its a pity they did not pay for the whole drug infested event or better still that Paris had won it and my taxes did not have to pay for it at all.

70 days of sad people turning up to watch a cheese grater with a flame, all created to ensure the sponsors get the maximum value from the TV coverage. Its a pity they did not pay for the whole drug infested event or better still that Paris had won it and my taxes did not have to pay for it at all.

Why does the Oxford Mail give so many column inches to greedy business owners who don't like rules/competition popping up/Tesco/red tape/Tesco?
These are the the joys of capitalism. You embrace them when it suits you.

DoctorBob wrote:
I wonder if Aziz would mind other businesses advertising in his restaurant for free?

I'm no fan of advertising full stop but if you accept the Capitalist model and even actively take part in it by having your own branding, copyright, marketing and other business practices then you are hardly in the best place to moan when others engaging in the same Capitalist enterprises outflank you.

The problem is that its not for free. They have to pay to operate a stall at the event, and for that they are not allowed to have any sort of identity. This means even more expense, even if the stall-holder already has takeaway packaging, they have to invest in new plain packaging (or more bizarrely, packaging with other companies logos on).

One simple way around it.
Don't get involved, It's their loss.

andydg52 wrote:
One simple way around it.
Don't get involved, It's their loss.

exactly if they didnt think they would make money, then they wouldn't cough up the grand or so

The 2012 Olympics are an elitist dystopian farce and the way to undo this behaviour is to flout the rules. It's about time we British showed some spine and faught back! Secondly, coke has NO health benefits and so no right to sponsor an event enjoyed by children. Why not have a cigarette company sponsor the games?

OxfordResident wrote:

DoctorBob wrote:
I wonder if Aziz would mind other businesses advertising in his restaurant for free?

I'm no fan of advertising full stop but if you accept the Capitalist model and even actively take part in it by having your own branding, copyright, marketing and other business practices then you are hardly in the best place to moan when others engaging in the same Capitalist enterprises outflank you.

The problem is that its not for free. They have to pay to operate a stall at the event, and for that they are not allowed to have any sort of identity. This means even more expense, even if the stall-holder already has takeaway packaging, they have to invest in new plain packaging (or more bizarrely, packaging with other companies logos on).

Exactly, OxfordResident - this is small Oxford businesses being asked to pay a ridiculous amount of money to have a stall, and then not even being able to promote themselves....until after 7.30 pm, when most likely (if it's raining) everyone will have gone home...

Why not stick two fingers up to Coe and all his getting rich from this buddies set up stall and all those there place advertising brand names and anything else on show if they ALL do it what will happen we do live in a free country and they will be in a public place or dont bother with it al i wont it all appeal to me as much as an enema 70 days of wathching a flame almost as exciting as wartching paint dry?

Dilligaf2010 wrote:
I would suggest all traders flout the restrictions, if LOCOG don't like it they can route the torch somewhere else.
The Olympics are meant to be for everybody, and people shouldn't have to bow to pressure from a huge conglomerate, especially an American one, sponsoring the "British" Olympics.

Hello Dilly 'my friend'. Changed your tune a bit haven't you? Nice to see that you are backing the right for people to enjoy something in the sporting calendar rather than advocating disruption. Just one point though, I like your flag waving ''British'' point however, I think you will find it is the ''Olympics'' being staged in Britain. That is one big difference.

cynicality wrote:

OxfordResident wrote:

DoctorBob wrote:
I wonder if Aziz would mind other businesses advertising in his restaurant for free?

I'm no fan of advertising full stop but if you accept the Capitalist model and even actively take part in it by having your own branding, copyright, marketing and other business practices then you are hardly in the best place to moan when others engaging in the same Capitalist enterprises outflank you.

The problem is that its not for free. They have to pay to operate a stall at the event, and for that they are not allowed to have any sort of identity. This means even more expense, even if the stall-holder already has takeaway packaging, they have to invest in new plain packaging (or more bizarrely, packaging with other companies logos on).

Exactly, OxfordResident - this is small Oxford businesses being asked to pay a ridiculous amount of money to have a stall, and then not even being able to promote themselves....until after 7.30 pm, when most likely (if it's raining) everyone will have gone home...

Are they forcing traders to be there? No. Then the answer is simple isn't it?

Doctor Bob, no traders are being forced to be there as you say, however the fact remains that it was seen as an opportunity to not only promote the Olympics, but also recognised as an event to boost local trade & business. The stalls are not cheap, and it is hardly helping the local economy if our local businesses can't even let their customers know who they are or where they normally trade from. Over £1000 is a lot to recover along with set up costs etc. before any possible gains in a one off situation, with no advantage of at least possible future revenue by promoting your products or services.

harwellian wrote:
Doctor Bob, no traders are being forced to be there as you say, however the fact remains that it was seen as an opportunity to not only promote the Olympics, but also recognised as an event to boost local trade & business. The stalls are not cheap, and it is hardly helping the local economy if our local businesses can't even let their customers know who they are or where they normally trade from. Over £1000 is a lot to recover along with set up costs etc. before any possible gains in a one off situation, with no advantage of at least possible future revenue by promoting your products or services.

That's the wonderful world of Capitalism for you.

If these traders were allowed to advertise their brand on the back of another's major investment then no one would come forward with the major investment in the first place and these traders would be back exactly where they started as there would be no Olympic Games.

I don't find that difficult to understand and I'm a Socialist.

Interesting views from our arch Capitalists on here.

I think this is very sad, and a shame local communities aren't allowed to be brought together by the Olympics due to heavy handed restrictions. Although I can see that certain individuals could try to take over without the restrictions. It wouldn't be unthinkable of Cafe Coco placing banners everywhere and tables and chairs down the middle of London Road. I guess what we need is a sensible balance.

A34North wrote:

Dilligaf2010 wrote:
I would suggest all traders flout the restrictions, if LOCOG don't like it they can route the torch somewhere else.
The Olympics are meant to be for everybody, and people shouldn't have to bow to pressure from a huge conglomerate, especially an American one, sponsoring the "British" Olympics.

Hello Dilly 'my friend'. Changed your tune a bit haven't you? Nice to see that you are backing the right for people to enjoy something in the sporting calendar rather than advocating disruption. Just one point though, I like your flag waving ''British'' point however, I think you will find it is the ''Olympics'' being staged in Britain. That is one big difference.

Notice I put British in inverted commas, there was a reason for that.
I'm not encouraging the enjoyment of anything in the sporting calendar, just suggesting that people stick their fingers up to the organisers, there's a difference.

Dilligaf2010 wrote:

A34North wrote:

Dilligaf2010 wrote:
I would suggest all traders flout the restrictions, if LOCOG don't like it they can route the torch somewhere else.
The Olympics are meant to be for everybody, and people shouldn't have to bow to pressure from a huge conglomerate, especially an American one, sponsoring the "British" Olympics.

Hello Dilly 'my friend'. Changed your tune a bit haven't you? Nice to see that you are backing the right for people to enjoy something in the sporting calendar rather than advocating disruption. Just one point though, I like your flag waving ''British'' point however, I think you will find it is the ''Olympics'' being staged in Britain. That is one big difference.

Notice I put British in inverted commas, there was a reason for that.
I'm not encouraging the enjoyment of anything in the sporting calendar, just suggesting that people stick their fingers up to the organisers, there's a difference.

You're not fooling me or the readers Dilly 'my friend'. You have turned a new leaf and I am sure that I am not the only one who is pleased for you. Why I bet you will be stood clapping as the torch bearer passes by and no doubt you will be encouraging our athletes no matter what background they come from. Good on you Dilly.

Vernon Spools wrote:
I think this is very sad, and a shame local communities aren't allowed to be brought together by the Olympics due to heavy handed restrictions. Although I can see that certain individuals could try to take over without the restrictions. It wouldn't be unthinkable of Cafe Coco placing banners everywhere and tables and chairs down the middle of London Road. I guess what we need is a sensible balance.

There is a distinction between 'local communities' and for profit local businesses.

A34North wrote:

Dilligaf2010 wrote:

A34North wrote:

Dilligaf2010 wrote:
I would suggest all traders flout the restrictions, if LOCOG don't like it they can route the torch somewhere else.
The Olympics are meant to be for everybody, and people shouldn't have to bow to pressure from a huge conglomerate, especially an American one, sponsoring the "British" Olympics.

Hello Dilly 'my friend'. Changed your tune a bit haven't you? Nice to see that you are backing the right for people to enjoy something in the sporting calendar rather than advocating disruption. Just one point though, I like your flag waving ''British'' point however, I think you will find it is the ''Olympics'' being staged in Britain. That is one big difference.

Notice I put British in inverted commas, there was a reason for that.
I'm not encouraging the enjoyment of anything in the sporting calendar, just suggesting that people stick their fingers up to the organisers, there's a difference.

You're not fooling me or the readers Dilly 'my friend'. You have turned a new leaf and I am sure that I am not the only one who is pleased for you. Why I bet you will be stood clapping as the torch bearer passes by and no doubt you will be encouraging our athletes no matter what background they come from. Good on you Dilly.

If the torch was coming past me I'd have a hosepipe at the ready, and I won't be watching the Olympics, or any sport, I gave my TV away 2 years ago, so you're wrong on all counts.

London 2012 Olympics.

Perhaps it should read,

London 2012 Rip Off,

in association with Rip Off Britain.

What a total farce and debacle for the average citizen of this once proud land.

First the ticket price fiasco, the then abomination of ticket allocation, the sponsorship should have been made compulsory UK home based firms etc only, instead we have the yanks and Uncle Tom Cobley and all muscling in on what should have been a UK event. Total fiasco, and as for the fast food, well, I'm shoving it.
I just do not see the point in the Torch doing its bit if local traders are not also going to be able to have freedom as they normally would. All we will be allowed to eat and drink is Yank rubbish. Total disgrace of epic proportions. Hang your head in shame Coe !!!!!! and will Double Dip Dave step in, well perhaps he should dictate to the Olympic committee like he does the rest, but then again, perhaps not, because even the Europeans don't listen to him either.

As DAVID cameron is an Ofordshire MP could someone contact him as he runs the country not coe to ask if his will support the local traders if they chose to ignore the dictators rules and sell and advertise their wares as one would expect to do in a free society or does he support this dictatorial olympics commitee i would love to see the reply ?

Don't be fooled into thinking that the Olympics is here to do you a favour. People like coca cola have sponsers the event since the 1920s, they are big players have the money and get to call the shots. Yes the governement are wasting lots of taxpayers money on this event, but other companies are also throwing in lots of money. I doubt the likes of cafes and shops down the cowley road could sponsor or support the olympics. I can understand them wanting to trade off the back of it, but its a fact of life, facebook, coca cola, news of the world, these guys are bullies with all the power....for a while at least.

Some people haven't read the report properly have they?

Traders have a choice to attend the event or not.

This is not a free event and as in all events those stumping up the money to put it on get to set the rules of attendance.

Not a free event ? i read it cost the country over 9 billion for this event that we were told was good for britain unless you know different DR BOB

Yeh Dr Bob, and that rent fee for the space is a lot to win back before they go into overall profit. Folk like to go to traders they are familiar with, if they can, its all about relationships loyalty etc, all what the Olympics stand for, true values. As I said, they will have to do a lot of business to show any worth while profit on their return, and with margins already parred down to a minimum not many will be able to afford the risk and gamble of supporting such an event. Who then are you going to point the finger of blame at for poor service and poor goods compared to your expectation level. Anyone can go into business for nothing, but they don't last long, events like this keep business's in the public eye and it is good PR and generates a return, but with so many constraints is it really worth while for the stall holder ? probably not.

steve1955 wrote:
Not a free event ? i read it cost the country over 9 billion for this event that we were told was good for britain unless you know different DR BOB

Read the report my dear friend, read the report and focus on the specifics of this story and this particular EVENT in South Park.

I'm no economist but I'm prepared to hazard a guess that the potential financial benefit to this country from the Olympics may just outweigh the expenditure.

Fugg me, I can't believe I'm on here actually justifying Capitalism, or at least the logic of this bit of it!

How will I be able to look my children in the eye?

DR BOB
This event is only happening because we the people are paying over 9 billion out if we didnot pay no event then?
Im sure you will agree 9 billion could have been better spent ,then all the arguments about THE event or events would not happen

Steve, don't be such a philistine.

I am right in thinking traders get to keep the profits of everything they sell!

Ignore the Olympics, 9 billion and the rest, this is just business. Don't take it personally.

Dilligaf2010 wrote:

A34North wrote:

Dilligaf2010 wrote:

A34North wrote:

Dilligaf2010 wrote:
I would suggest all traders flout the restrictions, if LOCOG don't like it they can route the torch somewhere else.
The Olympics are meant to be for everybody, and people shouldn't have to bow to pressure from a huge conglomerate, especially an American one, sponsoring the "British" Olympics.

Hello Dilly 'my friend'. Changed your tune a bit haven't you? Nice to see that you are backing the right for people to enjoy something in the sporting calendar rather than advocating disruption. Just one point though, I like your flag waving ''British'' point however, I think you will find it is the ''Olympics'' being staged in Britain. That is one big difference.

Notice I put British in inverted commas, there was a reason for that.
I'm not encouraging the enjoyment of anything in the sporting calendar, just suggesting that people stick their fingers up to the organisers, there's a difference.

You're not fooling me or the readers Dilly 'my friend'. You have turned a new leaf and I am sure that I am not the only one who is pleased for you. Why I bet you will be stood clapping as the torch bearer passes by and no doubt you will be encouraging our athletes no matter what background they come from. Good on you Dilly.

If the torch was coming past me I'd have a hosepipe at the ready, and I won't be watching the Olympics, or any sport, I gave my TV away 2 years ago, so you're wrong on all counts.

One confused fellow Dilly. Your short term memory is very suspect. Enjoy the summer Dilly.

..... It all sounds like a good time to go on holiday & get away from this Farce of an event... Poor old Steve Ovett, who I still rate as the best middle distance runner this country ever produced, must be laughing his socks off at this joke event that is fronted by the ever more pompous Sebastian Coe Esquire. The 'Press' never forgave Ovett for not giving them interviews in his heyday & after listening to Coe forever potificating about anything & everything I can understand why Ovett kept his mouth shut but now, like the rest of us, he'll see Coe get his comeuppance when the 'Press'/Major financing Companies/Government are looking for a 'fallguy' to blame when the Event proves to be a huge financial & politically embarrassing flop... yes, sunshine on the other side of the world is looking very inviting.....

..... Must remember to fly out from a non-London Airport.....

I say dont rent a space in South park, most people going will go through the Cowley Road first, stick stalls outside your shops and we can combine the event with the Cowley Road carnival. Money saved and profits made!!!

I don't get all the fuss, when I pay to go to the footy I can't take my (plastic, yuk) glass of wine to my seat, and when I pay to go to the Opera, I can't smoke in my seat, and if Aziz wants to pay to go to South Park then he can't take his branding to his stall. If you don't like the rules, don't go. Simples.

I think a couple of points are being missed here... firstly South Park is a council owned/operated park paid for by local residents taxes. Are the olympic commitee/sponsors paying to use the land? if not then I think it's wholey unreasonable for them to demand payments for pitches without sponsorship - pitches should be FREE if unbranded in order to attract custom. The sponsors can then peddle their rubbish and do business. If they must charge surely they can license their branding to the local businesses eg "Aziz in partnership with XXX" is that so unreasonable? The other fact I'm surprised nobody has picked up on is the nature of the sponsors - in one breath the government talk of a fat tax, increased taxes and bans on fatty, high cholestral foods. Yet Coca Cola, Mars, McDonalds are all major sponsors. Bit hypocritical isn't it? They kicked cigarette companies from sponsoring motorsport but it's fine to link Big Macs to athletics?!

LORD PETER MACVEY 0X2 6EG wrote:
I don't get all the fuss, when I pay to go to the footy I can't take my (plastic, yuk) glass of wine to my seat, and when I pay to go to the Opera, I can't smoke in my seat, and if Aziz wants to pay to go to South Park then he can't take his branding to his stall. If you don't like the rules, don't go. Simples.

Oh Peter, you've just taken a step down in my book ;(
You pay to go to the Opera, if you want to hear people screaming unintelligible things at eat other, pop round for a coffee and listen to my, hopefully soon to be evicted, neighbours.
Unless of course the Opera concerned was a re-screening of Tommy.

sparky123456 wrote:
I think a couple of points are being missed here... firstly South Park is a council owned/operated park paid for by local residents taxes. Are the olympic commitee/sponsors paying to use the land? if not then I think it's wholey unreasonable for them to demand payments for pitches without sponsorship - pitches should be FREE if unbranded in order to attract custom. The sponsors can then peddle their rubbish and do business. If they must charge surely they can license their branding to the local businesses eg "Aziz in partnership with XXX" is that so unreasonable? The other fact I'm surprised nobody has picked up on is the nature of the sponsors - in one breath the government talk of a fat tax, increased taxes and bans on fatty, high cholestral foods. Yet Coca Cola, Mars, McDonalds are all major sponsors. Bit hypocritical isn't it? They kicked cigarette companies from sponsoring motorsport but it's fine to link Big Macs to athletics?!

Can't do it cola et-al didn't pay billions to be associated with some second rate business on Cowley Rd, but agree about the fags. P.S. Dilly it ain't me it's the missus she took to it after missing her Thai (goddam awful) classical music. It would be cheaper to take her to the Thai Orchid to listen, but she says it is Thai food for Falangs.

..... or Farangs ???.....

For better or worse, I will be away at the time of this event, but if not, I'd be sorely tempted to go in with a T-shirt with logos of big competitors to the major sponsors (Pepsi, Burger King and American Express should be enough to do the trick, but I could dredge up some more along similar lines) - hidden under a jumper to get in, of course.