Hamilton may clip Eagle Boy's wings

By JO-MARIE BROWN

HAMILTON - Pizza outlet mascot Eagle Boy is likely to have his wings clipped tomorrow as the Hamilton City Council objects to his roadside antics.

The mascot has been perched on the roundabout and footpath outside the Grey St outlet since December to attract customers.

But last week the council informed both Eagle Boys and Pizza Haven, which employs people to hold a sign outside its own Grey St premises, that such advertising techniques breach the Public Places Bylaw.

Council bylaws manager Marion Rhind said the Eagle Boy mascot and sign-holders distracted drivers.

"We've had complaints from the public about the distraction and road nuisance this sort of advertising is causing," she said.

"The last thing anyone wants is a motor accident which injures or causes death."

The council would meet all pizza outlet owners tomorrow to discuss the bylaw so they knew what was acceptable advertising, said Marion Rhind.

But franchise-owner Alan McIntosh was unhappy that his Eagle had been grounded.

"He's important because Eagle Boys is about fun. We want to add a bit of character to our pizza and the PR value, especially with kids, is priceless.

"I can understand that the Eagle on the roundabout may create some safety issues but my concern now is that he is being kept from walking down the street," Mr McIntosh said.

Eagle Boys national marketing director Nicola Davis said the presence of the company's mascot outside other outlets had not caused problems anywhere else.

Pizza Haven franchise-owner Ian Lowe did not believe his sign, which was also banned, posed any distraction to drivers.

"My sign isn't actually waved. The kids stand there with it on the corner of the street. How they determine it's a nuisance is beyond me."

The sign advertised specials and generated plenty of business each week, he said.

"So much so that if [the council] fine me the maximum fine of $500 a week I could probably pay that and still come out ahead."

Mr Lowe said he would apply for a mobile sign permit but had already been told by the council that it would not be granted.

Council spokesman Curt Christiansen said they understood that businesses had to be competitive and the meeting would provide an opportunity for the council and outlets to agree on what sort of promotion could be done.

"We're looking to see how we can work with these people for their benefit and for the safety of everyone," he said.

"We want people to feel good about doing business in Hamilton, but at the same time the council has to ensure there is safety in public places."