Pubdate: Wed, 23 Nov 2016
Source: Penticton Western (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Penticton Western
Contact:  http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1310
Author: Steve Kidd

MORE POT SHOPS WANTING TO SET UP

At least seven organizations are applying for permission to set up
marijuana dispensaries in Penticton.

Planning manager Blake Laven is preparing a report, expected to go
before council on Dec. 6, laying out the seven applications the city
has received for permission to operate marijuana dispensaries under a
temporary use permit.

Six of the applications are downtown, with three on Westminster
Avenue, one on Martin Street and two on Main Street in the 400 and 500
blocks.

The seventh application is by Avitas Pharmaco, who are requesting a
TUP to continue operating in Village Square as they were before the
city's crackdown this summer.

Along with three other dispensaries, Avitas had their business licence
revoked in July after city staff found they were selling marijuana.
Despite promised legalization at the federal level, storefront pot
sales remain illegal.

Council backed the cancellation of business licenses, but also asked
staff to look into ways to allow the popular dispensaries to operate
in the city. The solution is a temporary use permit, allowing council
to approve the applications individually and setting out the terms of
their ability to operate.

Laven said people nearby the proposed locations will be notified and
have a chance to speak when the applications are brought before
council. Seven might seem like a lot, he said, but according to his
research, there are already seven dispensaries operating in Vernon and
two compassion clubs.

Victoria, he said, has one dispensary per 3,300 people.

"If all seven get approved, we would be at one per 4,800 people," said
Laven.

Those approvals could come as soon as the Dec. 6 meeting, unless
council chooses to delay. After receiving a TUP, the dispensary
operators would still have to apply for a business licence, which
Laven said may cost more than the basic $175 licence.

"We are also asking that council amend the fees and charges bylaw to
have a $5,000 (business licence) fee for a dispensary, said Laven,
adding that a number of conditions will go along with the permit: age
of entry; security and other safety factors.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt