Quote Originally Posted by Gandalf_The_Grey
What, are you supposed to say "excuse me, could I see one of your glass plant vases?"
My shop insists that you refer to it as a "Water pipe." We are allowed to say things like bowl, papers, rolling tray... basically any wording that does not have a mainstream association with smoking Cannabis.

The term bong, while having a definition that can include the term "water pipe," is mostly understood as a device to smoke bud. If you look for a definition, probably more than 50% would have the term marijuana in it. Water pipe, however, is simply that. A pipe that holds water in it.

My basic school of thought... if you wouldn't feel comfortable saying the term in front of a police officer, don't say it in a headshop. I would have no problem if a cop overheard me saying "Damn, I have to go pick up that water pipe before they close." Likewise, I would NOT say "Damn, I have to go pick up that bong before they close."

When business owners run their store on the borders of legality (having overtly themed merchandise or equipment to use illegal substances) they HAVE to protect themselves. The way they do that, is limit the language that can be used while in the store. They don't care what you do after you buy it... Hell they KNOW what you do after you buy it. :jointsmile:
All it takes is ONE undercover officer to go into the shop and ask for a "phat new bong," and have the cashier say... "Hells yeah, check this one out. It will FUUUUCK you up."

Game over... store closed...