Owners of Cornish e-cigarette shop called The Vapeist hit back at ‘woke’ local who complained to the council because it sounds too much like ‘rapist’
- Anton Perrins, 34, and Chris Anderson, 31, opened The Vapeist in Callington
- Anonymous individual reported shop name to the council for causing offence
- Locals have taken to Facebook to defend the shop owners decision
A newly-opened shop that was reported to the council after one person was offended by its name has received a flood of support from locals after a ‘woke’ local complained to the council.
Anton Perrins, 34, and Chris Anderson, 31, were contacted by their local council after someone complained about the name of their shop The Vapeist in Callington, Cornwall, saying that it sounds too much like ‘rapist’.
The cousins, who own two other businesses in the area, took to Facebook to vent their frustration about being reported, despite trying to invest in the town, writing: ‘If you would rather see your shops empty then we are happy to take our business and money elsewhere.’
Despite the ‘inappropriate’ name of the shop causing offence to at least one person, a flood of locals took to social media to defend the business owners.
Anton Perrins, 34, and Chris Anderson, 31, who own The Vapeist (pictured) in Callington, Cornwall, have received the support of locals after their shop name was reported
The shop which sells electronic cigarette and liquids is located in a premises that previously sat empty.
Anton and Chris worked tirelessly to prepare the shop for their opening on Tuesday after receiving online enquires from people curious to know what was happening in the building.
Admitting the backlash against the name came as a surprise, ‘stunned’ Anton told Cornwall Live: ‘The truth is that people who vape are refereed to as “vapeists”‘.
He added that he was even more surprised to hear from the council there had been a complaint.
‘They were not particularly bothered about it and said to us more out of courtesy to let us know,’ he said.
He explained that they didn’t mean to offend anyone and considered moving to a different town but they’ve already invested a lot of time and money into the business being in Callington.
‘A few people have been less critical and said it wouldn’t be their name of choice but that’s fine. Other people who do vape have turned around and said they haven’t got an issue with it and understand it,’ he continued.
Anton (pictured) said he and his cousin will consider taking their businesses somewhere else if people aren’t happy with their investment in the town
Anton took to local Facebook group One Callington, which boasts over 7,000 members to share the situation.
He wrote: ‘Hi Callington, It appears that someone has taken the time to report our shop to the council (The Vapeist)
‘Apparently Mings takeaway was also reported a while back so I suspect it’s the same person. Just an update for you whoever you are. The council are fine with it, they told us about the report out of courtesy.
‘But please ask yourself this. Do you want to see Callington shops empty??
‘This will be the 3rd business myself and my cousin own in Callington, we like Callington and we are willing to invest time and money into Callington. But if you would rather see your shops empty then we are happy to take our business and money elsewhere.
Anton penned a Facebook post explaining The Vapeist (pictured) is their third shop in the local area and the council was fine with its name
‘This post is not for the majority of people reading this. This post is aimed at the person who has targeted us to try and drag us down.’
A stream of responses defended the business owners, while admitting they don’t like the shop name but wouldn’t report it.
One person wrote: ‘This “woke” culture is killing us, why would you look at that name and instantly see (the other) what goes on in people’s minds that, that is the first thing they think of. I have lived a lot of years and hope everyday that I do not become one of those.’
Another said: ‘What a very sad person! They could not of looked the word up in the dictionary. I think it’s a great name and brings a smile to people’s faces, keep up the good work and thank you for supporting our community’
A third added: ‘To be honest I’m not a huge fan of the name but that has nothing to do with me or the ability of the shop’s success. Callington are in need of more shops, making things local for us all and keeping our town alive.
‘I’m honestly shocked that it has been reported, at the end of the day it’s just a name. Such a shame. I wish the shop full success and I’m looking forward to seeing another shop door open again.’
A stream of local Facebook users claimed they wouldn’t report the shop, even though they aren’t fond of the name
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