Tobacco Covered Up in B.C.

[rabbgp]

I just don’t get it.

Reported at The Vancouver Sun:

Something new — a piece of cloth — veils a contentious product in the hand of a wooden Indian statue in the Pacific Cigar store in downtown Vancouver.

Cigar stores have long used statues of native people wearing feathered headdresses to advertise their tobacco-based wares.

But the life-sized cigar store Indian statue in the Waterfront Centre is close to outliving its usefulness — and not just because it’s an affront to modern racial sensitivities.

Since Monday, retailers open to children or minors in B.C. have been prohibited by new provincial legislation from displaying or promoting tobacco products.

So the Pacific Cigar store is hiding the fake cigars being held by its cigar store Indian. They’ve also removed the cigars held by the statue of a waiter.

“A lot of people come in and ask if we are open or not. We don’t look like we are open. You can’t see what we are selling.“

“It sucks,” said Mark Schoonheijt, a 56-year-old cigar lover who walked into Pacific Cigar, wondering if the new-look store was closing down.

Lim expects that her sales could decline by up to 20 per cent.

Tobacco products can be sold in B.C. — but not seen.

 

[CWS]

Absurd. Need to get it declared a historical landmark.

 

[surfish1961]

Ultra liberalism at it finest. Starting hoarding 'em now, guys and gals.

But look at the bright side. Remember that cigar store indian you've wanted to buy for along time but it was too expensive. They'll be a dime a dozen real soon.

 

[Black Dog]

That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. This stuff is getting so carried away.

 

[Jwrussell]

Ridiculous. Easy fix though, no children or minors. Exactly what does a cigar shop have for children anyway? I somehow doubt they are driving the profits for the store. I'm not in anyway saying this is ok, just saying I wouldn't be covering up my advertising.

 

[Clinton]

Won't someone please think of the children! :sadcry:

 

[Dougful]

Absolutely ridiculous. It's a good thing the government and radical liberals are around who know what is best and are willing to think for us...

 

[Proud Bear]

Doug took the words right out of my mouth.

Bear

 

[RigilKent]

WTF that is ridiculous

 

[TexaSmoke]

 

[the nub]

The law prohibits tobacco products being visible by minors. The Cigar Indian only has its HAND covered (because it is holding cigars).

 

[rabbgp]

Still Ridiculous.

 

[sloth]

Ultra liberalism at it finest.

I remember a one John Ashcroft that wanted certain statues cover up because of boobage...

 

[CWS]

Ridiculous. Easy fix though, no children or minors. Exactly what does a cigar shop have for children anyway? I somehow doubt they are driving the profits for the store. I'm not in anyway saying this is ok, just saying I wouldn't be covering up my advertising.

Probably out front. Still dumb.

 

[dpricenator]

Man, with all the blood loss from thier hearts i'm surprised they lasted long enpough to put this law into effect.

 

[jwintosh]

latest study,,, viewing someone else's tobacco, ie. second-site smoke, causes cancer....

 

[Pendaboot]

Just be thankful there are these do-gooders who are willing to save us from ourselves. I once took my father down to the local convenience store to show him how much easier it was for kids to buy illegal drugs than cigarettes, right out in front of the store. Didn't change his mind though, since idealism is so much more comforting than the truth.

I live in Seattle, and I can get stopped by the cops for smoking a cigar, but they can't touch a marijuana smoker, by law.

 

[Dougful]

latest study,,, viewing someone else's tobacco, ie. second-site smoke, causes cancer....

LOL!:rolling: :rolling: :rolling: Then I'm screwed since I probably look at the glass-topped humi on my desk 5-10 times a day.

 

[Huizer]

It is getting beyond rediculous.
Around here they have cigar stores in certain grocery stores. (along with the wine store, photo shop, flower shop, coffee shop, and a bank...) Well I was talking to the owner and with the new laws on the way they will have to cover everything up. This is very costly to the store owners as well. All windows of the walk in humidor will have to be covered. All tobacco products behind the counter will have to be covered or hidden as well. How is a store owner supposed to run into the humidor to get what the customer wants while the customer has to wait in the front of the store? Its not like this yet, but soon I am told. I like to brouse the humidor when I shop. It's just really stupid. They even had to get stickers to cover the stenciled cigar on the ziplock bags that they give you.

The laws in Canada are made up for fun it seems.... oh, and the taxes on ciars too.

Dan.