`In Dublin' magazine banned for six months

The entertainment listings magazine, In Dublin, has been banned by the Censorship of Publications Board for six months.

A statement from the board said the fortnightly publication was being banned because a number of its editions "have usually or frequently been indecent or obscene". A spokeswoman for the board said she could not be specific about the reasons for a ban on a particular magazine. However, it is likely that In Dublin's controversial advertisements for "health studios" were the main reason for the ban.

A health studio advertisement in the most recent issue of the magazine promises: "Our friendly female instructors will visit you". Others offer a visit from a "mature personal therapist" and "massages" and "showers" are available at some of the clubs advertised.

The magazine's publisher, Mr Mike Hogan, was granted leave in the High Court yesterday to apply for a judicial review of the decision on Wednesday. He did not wish to comment yesterday as the matter was "effectively sub judice".

The latest issue of In Dublin was due to appear today. Instead, Mr Hogan will publish a magazine with similar content entitled Dublin. Dublin will also carry ads for health studios.

At least three members of the five-member Censorship of Publications Board voted in favour of the prohibition order against In Dublin under the Censorship of Publications Act, 1946 at a meeting on April 18th. The board has since had a number of meetings with the magazine's publishers but announced yesterday it had decided to ban the publication for six months. The order prohibits "the sale and distribution in the State of any issue of the said periodical publication on or after the 10th August 1999". Mr Hogan has the right to appeal to the Censorship of Publications Appeal Board.

The Censorship of Publications Board can only act on foot of a complaint about a publication. Sources close to the magazine believe that the complainant was offended not only by the health club advertisements, but by some of the magazine's covers and an advertisement for a condom manufacturer.

A statement issued on behalf of the publishers, the Hoson Company, said the ban was "a matter of great concern to the company and its customers". "It is the management's intention to respond vigorously to any unfounded allegations," the statement continued.

"It is also their intention to enter into discussions with the relevant authorities to enable publication to resume as soon as possible so as to ensure customers are not disappointed," it concluded.

In Dublin has been published by various owners almost continuously for the past 23 years. It was relaunched in its present form in 1992.

Other magazines in the Hoson stable include Magill, High Ball, Full Flight, The Big Ticket, Gael Sport, An Cosantoir, Banking Ire- land and Boyzone magazine. Up to 30 jobs may be at risk if In Dublin is forced to cease publication, company sources said.