Council votes to explore $30K cannabis business licence fee after hectic debate
Council’s executive committee had a heated debate as they worked to iron out the local regulations surrounding retail cannabis.
Administration brought forward proposed rules on how to proceed with a new Cannabis Business Licence Bylaw to regulate storefronts, wholesalers and production facilities at Prince Albert’s executive committee meeting Monday night. The rules outlined licence fees, penalty options, and other requirements for marijuana-based businesses.
After an hour-long debate, which became contentious at times, council approved a motion to explore a $30,000 cannabis business licence fee, asked for a report on reassessing that fee and reverting the licence back into the city’s possession upon a transfer request, and decided to discuss limiting the hours of retail cannabis stores from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The initially-proposed $5,000 business licence fee and $1,500 annual renewal for cannabis retailers was debated at length. Most councillors wanted to see a higher price tag, while others felt it was unfair to single out one industry. Most were content with the wholesale and production facilities licencing cost of $1,000, with a $100 annual renewal fee.