Will Delta residents be able to buy some bud at a government retail store?
While there’s currently no application by the BC Liquor Distribution Branch to open a government-run recreational cannabis store in Delta, the branch has reached out recently and provided information on the legal framework regarding the possibility of a BC Cannabis Store in this city.
“Local governments play a key role in the licensing process for the brick and mortar retail stores, having been granted the authority to prohibit or limit the number of stores in their community, determine the types of stores that will be permitted (government, private or both), set minimum distancing requirements from other cannabis stores and organizations/institutions servicing children and youth (e.g. schools, daycares, community centres ect.) and determine the processes, requirements and fees associated with setting up a cannabis retail store in their community,” explained Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch, in a letter to council.
“Prior to the recent Local General Election we were made aware that your municipality would not be permitting retail cannabis stores in your community. Should your position on this matter change, we would be happy to meet with you to discuss locating a government operated cannabis retail store in your community, and answer any questions and/or address any concerns you may have.”
Any private or government retail application requires a positive response from a host municipality. In Delta’s case, the city last year, in a preemptive move ahead of the legalization of recreational weed, amended the zoning bylaw to prohibit stores from setting up shop in all zones. That doesn’t mean, however, that pot shops won’t end up opening in Delta.
The aim of the revised bylaw was to control where they could possibility open, while the city hasn’t gone so far as to declare a complete ban. Delta’s policy endorsed by council was not supportive of private retail stores but was supportive of government-run outlets.
Any private or government application has to apply for a rezoning to Delta council.
“BC Cannabis Stores will be bright, clean, welcoming and professional, with the intent of creating a safe and favourable alternative to purchase cannabis from the illicit market,” noted Lawson.
So far, there’s just one BC Cannabis Store which is located Kamloops, but the province is dealing with a large number of applications by private retailers.
