Beauty Clinic Owner Fined For Botox Advertisement

1 November 2005
BEAUTY CLINIC OWNER FINED FOR BOTOX ADVERTISEMENT
The owner of a Belfast beauty clinic has been fined for the illegal advertising of Botox®.
Christine Mackin, the owner of Radiance Beauty Clinic, Upper Lisburn Road, Belfast, today pleaded guilty, at Belfast Magistrates Court, to the illegal advertising of Botox®, a prescription only medicine, contrary to the Medicines (Advertising) Regulations 1994.
This was the first successful prosecution for the illegal advertising of Botox®, in the UK and was brought by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS). It resulted from the failure of the defendant to remove the offending advertisement from the gable wall of the business premises after repeated warnings from enforcement officers.
Ms Mackin was fined Ł75 plus court costs of Ł19.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. It is the duty of the DHSSPS for Northern Ireland to enforce all medicines related legislation in the province.
2 Botox®, is a prescription only medicine (POM) and, like all POMs, should not be advertised to the public. Advertising for cosmetic clinics and services may promote the service provided as, for example, "treatment for lines and wrinkles", as this is non-specific and may include various procedures. However, advertising must not mention Botox®, as this is prohibited by the Medicines (Advertising) Regulations 1994 [SI 1994/1932, as amended].
3 The Department rigorously investigates all such complaints of illegal advertising.
4 Those working in the field of cosmetic services are reminded that as Botox®, is not licensed for use in cosmetic treatments, the prescribing doctor accepts personal responsibility for the safety, quality and efficacy of the product. Under medicines legislation, the administration of Botox®, to an individual should be on the directions of a doctor or by a person acting in accordance with the directions of a doctor.

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