Axe-throwing business set to open in St. John's by summer

The new axe-throwing business coming to St. John's should be open on Water Street within a month, says founder Adrian Beaton.

Jack Axes Inc. will let guests pay to compete with their friends and family by throwing axes at a target 15 feet away.

• Axe-throwing business gets green light in St. John's

In an interview with CBC's On The Go,Beaton said he first got the idea when he visited a similar business in Ontario. He said his decision to open one the first such establishments inNewfoundland has been getting a lot of media attention lately.

"I've had a lot of strange looks," he said. "But where it's an odd business it's also getting a lot of exposure, so the looks are getting less and less."

The technique

For those who may not be able to envision what a recreational axe-throwing establishment looks like, Beaton says it'spretty straight forward.

"There will be awide open space with targets that are grouped in twos, with a half wall and chain linkfence," he said."We want to promote a competitive aspect to it, so it will be like you're going head to head against someone."

The axes are just over two pounds, and Beaton says almost anyone should be able to sendone flyingdown the 15 foot alley.

"It's fairly basic," he said. "You keep your arms straight, bring them up over your headimportant to keep your wrists straight when you swing downand you just release."

Bar service but no drunks allowed

Beaton saidin the Ontario leagues, people are allowed to bring their own alcohol. Liquor laws in Newfoundland and Labrador prohibit that set-up, so instead Jack Axes will have a separate lounge where people can buy drinks.

Despite that, he says they will ensure that drunk people aren't throwing axes around while intoxicated.

"We don't want to emphasize the bar aspect of what we are doing, we just wanted people to come for a birthday party or a private function and be able to enjoy a beer while they are there as well," he said.

"We will absolutely not be allowing drunk people to throw axes, and there will be someone monitoring to make sure you are sober and throwing safely."

Beaton says the cost will be $19.99 for walk-ins, $29.95 for private parties and $99.95 to join the seven-week axe-throwing competitive league.