A COMPLAINT against an advertisement featuring Jesus holding a pint of beer has been upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI).

The complaint about the ad relating to a pub owned by former Tipperary hurler Lar Corbett was claimed to be "offensive". It was upheld by the ASAI after it was claimed it promoted alcohol in a way that could be harmful.

Lar Corbetts & Coppingers is in Thurles, Co Tipperary, close to Semple Stadium, the home of hurling.

The ad appeared on its Facebook page ahead of Good Friday - the first time pubs could legally serve alcohol on the day.

The ASAI said the ad featured a caricature image that resembled Jesus, holding a pint of beer in one hand and giving a thumbs-up with the other. A speech bubble stated "Thank God it's Good Friday. Pubs open let's celebrate. Like Tag & Share to win a free bar."

A complainant said she felt it was promoting alcohol in a way that could be harmful - it had also stated "bring a bus for a free bar" and the price of the drinks were so low.

In addition, the ASAI said the woman said she "was a Catholic and was highly offended by the picture of Our Lord holding a pint. She said she felt the advertisement was both dangerous and insulting".

The complaints committee expressed concern at the pub's failure to respond to the complaint and determined the ad should not be used in the same format again.