A Northern Irish spa resort has apologised for causing offence after advertising a ‘bikinis and balaclavas’ spa package.
Rosnashane House in Ballymoney, County Antrim, used an image of a woman in a black bikini and balaclava to advertise a spa treatment that gives customers the opportunity to shoot at a gun range.
According to The Guardian, the overnight package includes a massage, hot tub and the chance to fire machine guns and handguns. The copy for the marketing stunt read: ‘Round up the girls or boys for the perfect fun and pampering night out’.
Despite the controversy, however, the company has said that it will continue offering the service.
Behold this promo from a spa in Country Antrim — as shared on Facebook by my brother-in-law — :
“Why not try our Bikinis & Balaclavas Day Package
🔫Arrive to let off some steam at our private gun range
👙Then enjoy 30 minute private hot tub with drink of choice” pic.twitter.com/iAAhCjgrcA— Mic Wright (@brokenbottleboy) January 19, 2023
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“There is nothing glamorous in using balaclavas and guns to promote any business,” Democratic Unionist party (DUP) councillor, Mervyn Storey said.
“Where is the respect for victims of horrific violence?”
A spokesperson for Innocent Victims United – a group that represents people injured or bereaved during the Troubles – also told The Guardian that the spa ad was “truly appalling, depraved marketing”.
“There will be fools who’ll say, but sure it’s just a bit of craic. No it’s not. Balaclavas and guns brought nothing but carnage to this society.”
Rosnashane House took to Facebook to publicly apologise for the ad, writing: “As a business we have always strived to put our guests’ wellbeing at the forefront of everything we do. This has been one of our most popular packages since it was first announced over a year ago based around our onsite airsoft range.
“Rosnashane House is a diverse company with a team made up of members both sides of the community, in addition to supporting many fundraising events for cross community organisations.
“We apologise for any offence this may have caused.”
Last year, Police reportedly seized and carried out DNA testing on two bin liners with 51 balaclavas that were suspected of being used for terrorist purposes.
