BC: Cash Machines At Pot Shops Get Green Light

Katelyn Baker;3059816 said:

Cash machines will be permitted in Victoria’s marijuana dispensaries under bylaw changes given preliminary approval by city councillors.

The prohibition on ATMs was an “unintended consequence” of a regulation that forbids secondary businesses in dispensaries, said Mayor Lisa Helps.

“[The intent of the provision] was to stop pot brownie manufacturing and cannabis smoking and massage therapy, or whatever,” Helps said.

But as each ATM in the city requires a separate business licence, they also fell under the prohibition, she said.

City staff recommended council approve an amendment to the bylaw, similar to one passed by Squamish, enabling use of cash machines in dispensaries.

Only machines operated by third parties - not dispensary owners - would be allowed.

Allowing only third-party operators of ATMs “provides transparency as to where money is coming from and going to,” says a staff report.

It notes that ATMs are inspected by Interac, and that third-party operators must comply with anti-money-laundering policies.

Councillors gave final approval last month to bylaws covering the zoning and operation of an estimated 35 storefront medical-cannabis retailers. With the passage of the bylaws, all dispensaries are required to seek zoning approval for their businesses.

A business licence will not be issued until the rezoning has been approved - a process which could take several months.

However, a cannabis dispensary may continue to operate while taking steps toward rezoning.

Meanwhile, marijuana retailers are expected to come into compliance immediately with new business licensing requirements: no cannabis consumption on premises, operating hours restricted to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and a maximum of two display signs - no images allowed.

Marijuana retailers also are expected to meet security and ventilation requirements. No one younger than 19 is permitted on site.

Fees for the rezoning application and business licence are $7,500 and $5,000, respectively. Infractions are punishable with fines of up to $1,000 a day.

The rezoning requirements include a minimum 200-metre distance between retailers, as well as at least 200 metres between a storefront and a school. The distance requirement is expected to pare down the number of marijuana outlets in the city.

News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Cash Machines At Pot Shops Get Green Light
Author: Bill Cleverley
Contact: 250-380-5211
Photo Credit: Adrian Lam
Website: Times Colonist

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