Esquimalt councillors were debating at press time Monday whether a local shop’s use of a “bong” mascot is one hit over the line.

Coun. Tim Morrison wanted staff to look at bylaw options to control the use of a mascot for commercial marketing in public spaces.

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Morrison was prompted by the Bong Warehouse’s use of a bong mascot since it opened its Esquimalt Road business in December. A bong is a device used for smoking marijuana.

Morrison says the mascot is not only inappropriate, it pushes the limits of acceptable advertising practices.

He said he has received several complaints about the mascot from residents.

Under Morrison’s proposed bylaw, any business owner wanting to use a mascot or “costumed promoter” for commercial activities in public spaces would have to get a permit for specific times and locations. Unauthorized use of a mascot could result in fines starting at $250 and increasing to $1,000 by the third offence.

Corporate mascots working as official sponsors for community and/or charitable special events would be exempt during those events.

Morrison said because Esquimalt bylaw enforcement is complaint-driven, it’s highly unlikely the bylaw would affect many other businesses.

“It’s very doubtful anyone would complain about a fun mascot or a family-orientated mascot giving out balloons or what have you in public places to children. That’s not something anyone would be too concerned with.”

Bong Warehouse owner Ryan Place doesn’t understand why his mascot is being targeted, but suspects Morrison’s real problem is with marijuana.

“Maybe he’s living in the Dark Ages or something. I guess he’s got a thing about marijuana and the whole nine yards and he figures we’re peddling death on the street corners or something,” Place said.

“As far as I’m concerned, we sell affordable medical devices for people who are looking for more natural pain management rather than using toxic pharmaceuticals.”

The dispute over the mascot is not the first time Place has butted heads with Esquimalt since he opened his shop in December.

Shortly after opening, Place parked a truck on the street with Christmas lights and a large sign advertising his bongs. The township forced him to take it down.

Place said he’s sent out a mascot only half a dozen times — usually using people who are down on their luck to wear the costume.

Place said people are happy to meet the mascot and often want their picture taken with it.

Morrison said he supports decriminalization of marijuana.

bcleverley@timescolonist.com