Pubdate: Wed, 15 Jun 2016
Source: Metro (Ottawa, CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 Metro
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/Ottawa
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4032
Author: Emma Jackson

VAPE LOUNGE TO BE "TARGETED": OWNER

Advocate plans to file complaint if shop closed

The founder of a marijuana vapour lounge on Montreal Road said he
"absolutely" expects to be targeted by city bylaw when the province
updates its smoking regulations.

The Ontario government passed amendments to the Smoke-free Ontario Act
last Thursday, which make it possible to ban medical marijuana and
e-cigarettes anywhere tobacco is already prohibited. That includes
private businesses, so Wayne Robillard's vape lounge, called Buzz On,
could suddenly find itself on the wrong side of the law.

"All vape lounge operators across Ontario are concerned," Robillard
said.

It's especially frustrating when the federal government is in the
process of legalizing marijuana, he said.

"It's really a crazy time to institute this thing," Robillard
said.

Bylaw chief Roger Chapman said his department will target "businesses
who are non-compliant" once the new rules take effect. It's not clear
when that might be.

Robillard said he'll "make every attempt to stay open" for his 250
monthly customers, but the business isn't a money-maker and he can't
afford any fines.

Russell Barth, a pot advocate who live streams his weekly podcast from
Buzz On, said he plans to file a human rights complaint if the lounge
shuts down. He argues that will infringe on his right to medicate at
will, and will thwart his income from the show.
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MAP posted-by: Matt