The Oxygen Bar serves exactly what the name implies – oxygen, available in a variety of scents. Natalie Lejina, director of the Oxygen Bar, says she believes she has found her niche.
The Oxygen Bar is located in the Voodoo discotheque-nightclub-casino at the newly renovated Hotel Latvija. When Voodoo had its opening June 28, there were plenty of curious people who wanted to have a breath of fresh oxygen. For 3 lats ($4.85) you can sit down and breathe flavored oxygen for 15 minutes. There are about 10 different scents to choose from. Peach, watermelon and jasmine are just a few.
Every customer is given a fresh breathing tube and up to four people may sit down at once. The tube attaches behind the ears and ties under the chin. The air is then let into the nostrils.
Lejina said the price is very cheap compared to similar bars in the United States.
"Over there, there are bars where a minute of oxygen can cost $1 to $5. But people stand in line for a long time for it," she said.
Anton was just one of the many people who tried it out at the opening. He said it felt a bit strange at first, but after he got used to the air, he said it was actually pretty neat.
"I feel that I'm getting a kick out of this. I could do this more often, I think, especially the 'eclipse' flavor," Anton said.
Lejina's interest was sparked when she first read on the Internet about oxygen bars in America. The bar in Latvia was purchased by her husband Arnis Lejins.
"The bar comes from Las Vegas. It cost around $18,000 for all the equipment," he said. "People say it cures hangovers to breathe in oxygen bars. I know pilots who drink do this to get rid of their heaviness."
The oxygen-purity level in the bar is between 90 percent and 95 percent. Normal air has a much lower oxygen content. This is why one only needs some 10-15 minutes to get the right effect.
"It is healthier than alcohol and cigarettes, so morally we're on the safe side," Lejins said.
It could, however, prove to be difficult to run an oxygen bar in Latvia. Lejina said there were several people standing around the bar looking very skeptical at the new concept.
"There were Latvians asking why they should pay for air, but foreigners thought it was really fun," she said. "One client, who was from New York, was surprised at how low the price was."
Lejins, too, is aware of the problems the couple might face with the bar.
"People here don't have so much spending power on these sorts of treats. I don't know if Riga is ready for this sort of business," Lejins said.
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