Ashtray advertising in Praha

Smokers can get a dose of more than the next dose of tobacco marketing, that is, if a company based in Prague has something to say about it.

Based on the idea that more and more popular in London, after a smoking ban in the Republic Agency sro has launched a series of public ashtrays that offers points for advertisers. As part of the parent company of the same company with the SE UK Holdings Limited, the company launched nearly 2,000 Czech Prague Ben through the ashtray.

While the ban on smoking in London has seen more and more smokers are forced to meet outside, and create a ready audience for advertisers, Prague is also changing the business model where people are more likely to meet.

"Unlike the UK, we also managed to get ashtrays to public transport, where most of the litter with cigarette butts that happen," said Robert Nehasil, Director of Business Development for the Czech Ben. "We plan to expand to cities like Brno, Plzen, Karlovy Vary and Ceske Budejovice."

In addition to tram and bus advertising ashtrays dot the city from time to time appear on the side of the building, autonomous position in the park or shopping center outside the hospital. Rates for advertising depend on the number of advertising customers buy and how long they plan to launch a campaign. A ticket costs USD 690 Ashtray announcement, prices fell to CZK 350 per month for customers ordering 301 or more ads. There are discounts for those who sign a contract for a long time.

According to the company, about 90 percent of advertisers ashtrays, and the company reserves another 10 percent have volunteered to promote their products. The three ruling coalition parties - the Civic Democratic Party, TOP 09 and Public Affairs - is one of the customers of the group, along with Prague 5 general, companies such as Bulldog Pub and Ara shoes and a pair of lawyers, law firms.

Czech bin has a pro-environment projects, and says he is concerned to empty the ashtrays, except for those on public land. Czech bin provides more than twice the amount of ash in the Czech Republic around 5000 and is seeking to expand throughout Europe, according to Nehasil.