Bash and smash: 'Rage room' opens in St. John's

Dan George brought in large electronics, stacking plates and a few tea cups. The rage room was complete, and, as general manager at Halimac in St. John's, he was the first to try out the entertainment venue's new 'rage room.'

"It felt great," he told CBC Weekend AM host Martin Jones.

The 'rage room' is a space that was being used as a 'splatter room' where Halimac customers had the option to drop in to paint a canvas, or the room, even each other.

George said the company decided to pivot and try something new. For the 'rage room,' customers can now sign a waiver, dress in coveralls and safety gear provided on site, then throw some things around or pick a blunt instrument to wield.

"You can smash a TV with a crow bar, you can take out your office rage on printers," he said.

"I've heard people scream ... You can go in and just let it all out."

The room is surrounded by several feet of concrete on all sides, as the room was a bank vault once upon a time. As a result, George said, the sound doesn't really travel.

People have been having fun with it.

There is regular clean-up and items inside the room are replenished. George said the company has a partnership with a local charity store for breakables it knows can't be re-sold outright, like chipped dishware. He said an e-waste company is also a partner.

Halimac has also been making arrangements to recycle what it can of the demolished waste coming out of the room, he said.

Be aware, but can be a 'great distraction': psychologist

Registered psychologist and president of the Canadian Psychological Association, Janine Hubbard said people should be aware a 'rage room' is not in any way a cure-all for intense anger or rage. There are also some risks, for people who are regularly feeling angry, with a desire to be violent.

"If you're being destructive when you're frustrated, that may strengthen an association in your mind," she said.

It's just a matter of just being aware of why you're going in.

"They are wonderful entertainment, they are great distraction," she said.

"It's not necessarily evidence-based as an anger management strategy, but it doesn't mean it's not a fun social activity."

Halimac has three locations with entertainment options like archery and axe throwing, but there is just one site with a 'rage room' as of now.

"So far, every single person that has come in has left with a big smile on their face," George said.

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