Vintage Tobacco Shop in Lose-Lose Spot

Source from:  VICTORIA, British Columbia, May 27 (UPI)  05/28/2008

A Canadian tobacconist in British Columbia is faced with violating health law by keeping up antique signs, or violating heritage law by taking them down. A Canadian tobacconist in Victoria, British Columbia, must decide whether to violate health or heritage laws over his 116-year-old shop. Rick Arora, owner of Old Morris Tobacconists in Victoria, complied with law changes last month and stopped displaying products in the old building's front windows. The law also now forbids anyone under the age of 19 from entering his store, the Victoria Times-Colonist reported. However, the antique signage that is protected from alteration by heritage laws contravenes the health law's complete ban on advertising tobacco, Arora told the newspaper. He said city officials wrote him cautioning against altering the signs. "They've made it clear that I can't touch them," Arora said. "I could be fined $1 million and go to jail for two years." Under the health laws, violators face a $575 fine for a first offense for such displays, with penalties rising to $5,000 for repeat offenses. "It's absolutely ridiculous," he said. "I'm in a position where I cannot win." Enditem