Rick Arora is caught in a situation you would only expect to find in a dark comedy about bureaucracy run amok. If he covers up the historic signs on Old Morris Tobacconists, the City of Victoria is threatening big fines.
If he doesn't, the Vancouver Island Health Authority plans to charge him under provincial laws banning tobacco ads and displays where people under 19 can see them.
"Absolutely ridiculous," is how Arora describes the impasse, and he's right. Two arms of government are ready to strangle a business owner caught between their conflicting agendas.
The tobacco shop is a fixture on Government Street in Victoria's downtown. It's been there since 1892, and has been basically unchanged since a 1910 renovation. It's a fascinating bit of the city's history and, along with Munro's Books a few doors down, has been a popular attraction.
It's also a heritage building. If Arora tampers with it, including the old signs noting that "House Blend Tobaccos" and "Havana Cigars" are available inside, he faces big fines.
But VIHA, charged with enforcing anti-smoking legislation that took effect last month, plans to begin issuing tickets to Arora unless he paints over or covers the signs. Fines start at $575 and climb to $5,000.
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