Ontario Vape Store Protests Strict Signage Restrictions
Vape Shop Challenges Government Rules on Storefront Signs
Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA), professional vape stores are allowed to display only one sign outside their store, and it cannot contain any promotional language.
A vape shop in Ontario has protested these restrictions, arguing that the rules are unfair compared to those applied to alcohol and marijuana retailers.
Store Removes Business Name in Protest
According to a July 18 report by CBC News, a message reading “The provincial gov’t made us remove our business name from this window” appeared on the front window of Stinky Canuck, a vape store in Picton, Ontario.
The statement was a protest against the province’s signage limits, which require vape stores to have only one exterior sign.
Vape Store Manager Criticizes Government Focus
Rowan Warr-Hunter, production manager at Stinky Canuck, said many customers are shocked by the government’s enforcement priorities.
- “They simply can’t believe it… When the government has so many other things to deal with, they even spend time and money counting the number of symbols in a vape store,” Hunter said.
History of Compliance Issues
Hunter explained that the company first violated the signage rule when it displayed multiple signs at its three eastern Ontario locations.
Local health officials informed the business that using the term “vape shop” in its name violated the law. To comply, the owners legally changed the business name to “Stinky Canuck Vape Shop” so they could keep the logo.
However, in 2022, health authorities instructed the company to remove stickers with the business name from store windows and doors. Hunter said the store wanted to stay visible to customers on Main Street in Picton to attract foot traffic.
Claims of a Double Standard
Hunter argued that vape stores face stricter advertising rules than alcohol and cannabis outlets, despite all being adult-only businesses.
- “Kids can see every item they sell in a beverage store. They can walk past a marijuana store and know what they sell — and we can’t even say our names,” Hunter said.
He described the situation as a “double standard” and called for equal treatment across industries.
Government Defends Existing Law
A spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Health stated that under the Vape Use Act, specialty vape stores may sell products with “displays and promotions not visible from the outside.”
Councillor Bill Campbell clarified that these provisions apply only to tobacco and vaping products, not to alcohol or cannabis. Which are governed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
- “We are not considering any changes to the Smoke-Free Act,” the spokesperson said.
Store Calls for Equal Treatment
Hunter accused the government of unfair enforcement, arguing that vape retailers should not be singled out.
- “When you look at this hypocrisy, you’d think it should be one size fits all. Otherwise, everyone could display their products,” he said.
Hunter emphasized that vape stores already restrict access through ID verification, and therefore should be allowed to display their names like other regulated retailers.
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