Assault rifle to be raffled off by vape store owner upset over new regulations
A Santa Clarita vape shop owner is raffling off an AR15 semi-automatic rifle to raise awareness about what he calls "oppressing" vape laws.
Awesometown Vapors owner Guy Casablanca says vaping has been demonized, just like the AR15. So, Saturday, July 2nd, he's raffling off the semi-automatic weapon to anyone 21 and over, who enters the drawing.
He says he refuses to let lawmakers take away his rights and that's what the give-away is all about.
"There is a faction in the country that wants to see this device I hold in my pocket (e-cigarette) gone. Likewise, there's a faction in this country that wants to see the AR15 rifle gone," Casablanca said.
As of June 9th, Casablanca along with dozens of other vape shop owners have had to follow with new California regulations increasing the legal smoking age from 18 to 21. And, now the FDA has reclassified vaping devices as tobacco products.
"I can tell you right now, as closely as I hold this in my hand, I ain't giving it up with out a fight," Casablanca said.
That's why he chose to work with Rich Naglar from Adams Armory in Stevenson Ranch to give away this $720 dollar weapon.
"There's no difference on my end of this as if someone wanted to walk in the store and purchase this rifle," Naglar said.
And, yes, the Sheriff's know about it.
"As long as all the rules are followed in the transfer of the firearm, it would substantially be legal," Lt. Brenda Cambra from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station said.
Cambra goes on to say the winner will be required to fill out the appropriate forms and follow all background check procedures.
But, is this the best timing.
FOX11's Christine O'Donnell asked Casablanca if he thinks it's too soon after a similar weapon was used during the mass shooting in Orlando.
'With the tragedies in Orlando and with San Bernardino being right in our backyard. and hot on our heels…i ask the people who were closely affected by those events, keep one thing in mind. If there's any beacon of light that can be found in those tragedies…it's that maybe just maybe that someone will stand up for your rights," Casablanca said.
Casablanca says he had has some push back from local church groups.
To enter the raffle, Casablanca says people need to fill out some paperwork either in the store or online at www.awesometownvapors.com. They must also show up at the store on Saturday to show their ID. All people who enter the free raffle must be at least 21-years-old.
The store will be collecting tickets between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. The drawing will happen around 3:30 p.m. You don't have to be there to win the rifle.
For more information check their website
Copyright 2016 FOX 11 Los Angeles: Download our mobile app for breaking news alerts or to watch FOX 11 News | Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Be a citizen journalist for FOX 11 and get paid - download the Fresco News App today.