Pubdate: Tue, 02 Feb 2016
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Jeff Lee
Page: A6

VANCOUVER SET TO APPROVE FIRST LEGAL MARIJUANA SHOPS

Vancouver expects to legalize by the end of February the first 14 of
at least 20 marijuana-related businesses now operating within city
limits.

On Monday, the city said it had whittled down 176 applications for the
country's first legal retail marijuana stores to 14 that will now go
before the development permit board for approval. Another six stores
could be drawn from 19 applications that are deemed to be clustered
too close to each other.

The city has already refused 135 other applications because they
didn't meet zoning requirements and were either too close to schools,
community centres or public gathering places.

Although the 14 initial applications have met minimum standards, they
won't be able to apply for business licences unless they are also
approved by the development permit board, said Andreea Toma,
Vancouver's director of licensing. Only after a business licence
application is made will police begin criminal background checks.

Of the 14 applications, 11 are from already open dispensaries. Toma
said three others had not initially met the minimum siting criteria
and closed, but came back to the city with new locations that met with
approval.

Under the city's program, applicants can be for-profit businesses or
identify as non-profit compassion clubs. Toma said the first 14
applications are divided equally between the two classes.

Last June, city council took the unusual step of opening up the
possibility of business licences for pot shops. At the time the city
had more than 100 illegal dispensaries, making it the centre of the
largest retail pot distribution system in Canada.

It received 176 applications, but almost immediately rejected 135 as
not meeting minimum standards. Some were existing shops, while others
were new companies. The city gave the rejected applicants six months
to shut down; those without stores were told to not even bother opening.

But Toma said 62 of the rejected applicants have filed appeals to the
city's board of variance, which will begin hearings Feb. 17.

The city's application process may be for naught, however. In late
January, Terry Lake, the provincial health minister, said he was
inclined to see marijuana sold through liquor stores, which already
ensure people buying alcohol meet a minimum age.
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MAP posted-by: Matt