I should really start this tale of pure stupidity about six months back. One of the local tobacconists was looking to exand their business, but had reached the limits of what their almost-new, very well appointed location could realistically support. They had figured out ways around the restrictive advertising laws, and even a way to sell bulk blends (which is next to impossible for new shops to get licenced for), and were rapidly becoming a "go-to" B&M east of the city of Vancouver. Of course, being in the province of British Columbia, there is no smoking in the shop itself, but they had built a nice little covered and heated gazebo for patrons, complete with "serve yourself" coffee and muffins. Business was good, and when an opportunity came up to lease two store-fronts in the next strip-mall down, they jumped at it. Although some would call it a questionable move to open a franchise within two blocks of the main-shop, they pulled it off - or, more properly, managed to break even on the venture. Granted, the smaller location was more of a head-shop than a true tobacconist, but you could still buy a good selection of decent cigars, quality pipes, and an excellent selection of the lineups of both Brigham Enterprises and Scandinavian Tobacco Co. (Canada); as well as a few select tins of European blends.
Fast foward to December 1st. The proprietors of the second location receive a letter from the owners of the strip mall it is in. It seems the other shops and restaurants in the complex have started to complain about the smell of stale smoke (keep in mind that there is no smoking in B.C. businesses...) that pervades their space. They had started to complain about the clientelle gathering in the parking lot to smoke their purchases; yet the tobacconist was located in the corner unit, with it's own, separate parking lot. They had started to complain about "kids buying tobacco there"; or at least the possiblity thereof. They had, generally, started to complain.
Well, rather then fight with neighbours over a location that was just breaking even, the shop owners decided to close down. As I drove past yesterday morning, I noticed a new business hanging Grand Opening banners - a hookah lounge. This has, it seems, been given the thumbs-up by both the owner of the strip-mall, and the other shops. And yes, you will be able to smoke inside - however only tobacco free shisha blends are allowed under the exemption (although I see that the NSRA [Non-Smokers Rights Assn] is now fighting that in both BC and Ontario, as well).
Buf for the time being, I can't help but wonder how the neighbouring restaurant is going to feel about stale grape-flavoured PG sweating through the walls? :crazy:
Fast foward to December 1st. The proprietors of the second location receive a letter from the owners of the strip mall it is in. It seems the other shops and restaurants in the complex have started to complain about the smell of stale smoke (keep in mind that there is no smoking in B.C. businesses...) that pervades their space. They had started to complain about the clientelle gathering in the parking lot to smoke their purchases; yet the tobacconist was located in the corner unit, with it's own, separate parking lot. They had started to complain about "kids buying tobacco there"; or at least the possiblity thereof. They had, generally, started to complain.
Well, rather then fight with neighbours over a location that was just breaking even, the shop owners decided to close down. As I drove past yesterday morning, I noticed a new business hanging Grand Opening banners - a hookah lounge. This has, it seems, been given the thumbs-up by both the owner of the strip-mall, and the other shops. And yes, you will be able to smoke inside - however only tobacco free shisha blends are allowed under the exemption (although I see that the NSRA [Non-Smokers Rights Assn] is now fighting that in both BC and Ontario, as well).
Buf for the time being, I can't help but wonder how the neighbouring restaurant is going to feel about stale grape-flavoured PG sweating through the walls? :crazy:
