Pubdate: Wed, 01 Jun 2016
Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC)
Page: A1
Copyright: 2016 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Wanyee Li

POT SHOPS TAKE HIT

City Issues Injunctions - And Is Planning To Issue
More

The City of Vancouver has filed court injunctions to shut down 17 of
55 medical marijuana stores that have defied the city's April 29
deadline to close.

City staff have issued 246 bylaw violation tickets, each worth $250,
since the deadline. The 17 stores subject to the injunctions were
chosen based on community feedback, the owners' response to
enforcement, and their proximity to stores that have approved permits.

"These stores were targeted for the first round of injunctions because
they had the most complaints," said Coun. Kerry Jang.

"They're also the ones who said they won't close - they are
deliberately flouting our bylaws."

The city will issue another round of injunctions next week, Jang told
Metro.

If a judge grants the injunctions, store owners who refuse to close
shop may face contempt of court charges. The city may also use bylaw
officers or police officers to forcibly shut down the store.

"They want to be treated like any other business and that's how we're
treating them," Jang said.

There are currently 21 medical marijuana stores operating in Vancouver
(10 have been approved, another 11 are still under review) that are
not subject to enforcement, according to the City. 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D