Pubdate: Thu, 30 Jun 2016
Source: Chief, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Whistler Printing & Publishing
Contact: http://www.squamishchief.com/section/squamish0303&template=letter
Website: http://www.squamishchief.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2414
Author: Jennifer Thuncher

ATMS CAN STAY IN POT SHOPS

Council Changes Decision on Allowing Automatic Banking Machines

Bank machines can stay in local marijuana dispensaries thanks to a 
revote on the issue at council.

Council passed third reading of the Business Licence Bylaw on 
Tuesday, for the second time, but this time the bylaw allows the cash machines.

Council rescinded third reading of the bylaw at its June 21 meeting 
in order to remove a restriction on allowing bank machines in dispensaries.

"From my perspective, it didn't make any sense to make this one rule 
in this particular circumstance," said Mayor Patricia Heintzman, who 
was out of town June 7 when the original vote that banned ATMs was taken.

"They've got ATM's at the casino, for example. It seemed a little 
odd," Heintzman added.

Councillor Susan Chapelle had put forward a motion to allow the 
machines in dispensaries at the June 7 meeting, but it failed.

Ian Dawkins, executive director of Cannabis Growers of Canada, said 
bank machines are necessary in dispensaries because the businesses 
can currently only operate as cash businesses.

"If you are a cannabis business right now, it is very difficult to 
get banking services. A lot of the point-of-sale companies are 
American-based, for instance, so they can't deal with a company that 
'deals in drugs,' so there is no financial alternative for a lot of 
these companies," he said.

"Many of [the customers] are pensioners or elderly or have mobility 
issues because of their physical ailments."

Councillor Doug Race has opposed the bylaw outright at several 
previous council meetings because marijuana is still an illegal 
substance under Canadian law.

Councillor Karen Elliott also opposed the amendment to allow the machines.

"District staff worked hard to put something in front of us that 
represents best practices and doesn't present any undue hardship," 
Elliott said at the June 21 meeting.

According to Dawkins, rules Squamish sets on issues such as banking 
machines are important because the community can serve as a template 
for other communities to follow.

"When we can work with communities like Squamish and Victoria and 
create real, lasting regulations, it is not only positive for the 
local community, but for all of Canada," he said.

The Business Licence Bylaw will be up for final adoption at the July 
5 council meeting, according to district staff.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom