Pubdate: Sat, 08 Oct 2016
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Bill Cleverley
Page: A3

ATMS FOR MARIJUANA SHOPS

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.
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MAP posted-by: Matt