Canadian township not happy about bong mascot

Officials of a Canadian township are trying to stop a bong store’s mascot from making public appearances.

Esquimalt, a township at the southern tip of Vancover Island in British Columbia, wants to ban the mascot of Bong Warehouse from being allowed on the streets of the area.

Officials contend the mascot, which looks far more like a stoned Smurf than a bong, does not promote a healthy living message for the “family-friendly” community. One of the township’s councillors said he has received more complaints about the mascot than he does about sewage.

Being as bongs are legal devices to sell in Canada, as well as the United States, it would seem that Esquimalt officials have a tough road ahead in their effort. In Canada, tobacco used in a pipe – like a bong – is also legal, as is medical marijuana. A business promoting a legal device would seem to have the right to advertise its product – with a mascot.

Ryan Place, owner of the business, feels he is being unfairly targeted by the township. He said the mascot has only made a handful of appearances since his store opened in December and that he has never received a direct complaint about the mascot. In fact, he said, many people want to have their photo taken with the mascot at appearances.

He doesn’t foresee any rules being enforceable to keep him from using the mascot and said there is only an objection because his mascot is for a marijuana-related business. A place noted anything involving marijuana continues to be controversial. He said he will fight any restrictions the township tries to place on the mascot’s use.

Do you agree with this? Should the town be forced to ban the mascot due to it being not family friendly? Answer below in the comments..

Original Source: http://www.timescolonist.com/news/esquimalt-wants-to-ban-bong-mascot-1.117290 Photograph that’s featured in this article by: DARREN STONE, VICTORIA TIMES COLONIST