A new business in Sudbury, Ont., lets visitors let loose and smash things
People can choose from a variety of weapons at the Smash academy, including golf clubs and baseball bats
Destroying a television set or glassware with a sledgehammer may not be recommended at home, but a new business in Sudbury, Ont., is betting people will pay for the honour.
Northern Screams Attractions, best known for creating elaborate haunted house attractions during Halloween season, has launched the Smash Academy.
Owner and operator Robby Lavoie says the smash room is a place for people to let out their frustrations, without having to clean up the mess.
"Maybe you hate that boss. Or maybe you hate that neighbour. Who knows what's bothering you in your life right now," he said.
"Well here's a place where you can just come, release it all, do it with friends, do it as a couple and just, you know, basically release and have fun at the end, and walk out smiling."
Before entering the smash room visitors must put on personal protective equipment, including protective goggles and headwear.
They then come face-to-face with a "weapons wall" that includes everything from baseball bats, to sledgehammers and even a pair of snowshoes.
"You'd be surprised how many people like to grab a snowshoe and give something a whack across the room with it," Lavoie said.
They are then handed a variety of items that can range from tea sets to old printers and VHS tapes.
Lavoie said he buys the items from local thrift shops. Pieces of destroyed electronics are then returned to those stores, which can sell them for their scrap value.
"It's win-win for everybody," He said.
Lavoie said early reaction has been positive.
"Almost everybody that's come through absolutely loved it," he said. "We've had a real cool variety of people this year."
Tickets to take part are $35, but people can pay extra if they want to destroy larger items like TV sets.