A laissez-faire approach is being taken as the number of cannabis outlets continues to grow in Vernon.

Two more retail shops have been given the nod, just 240 metres from each other, on 30th Avenue in downtown. Vernon council agreed Monday, Jan. 25, to forward the applications to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) for consideration.

Councillors were split on the decision, which must still get approval from the LCRB. So far, the branch has only turned down one of 21 applications from Vernon. There are 13 in operation around town, with the latest two capping the limit of six in the downtown area.

While he would normally be all for letting the businesses compete, Coun. Scott Anderson is not in favour of this many cannabis outlets in town.

91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檙e already known as the pot capital of B.C. and that91裸聊视频檚 saying something,91裸聊视频� Anderson said. 91裸聊视频淭hat is not a legacy that I want to leave behind me.

91裸聊视频淭his is not just another product, this is a controlled substance, like alcohol.91裸聊视频�

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Mayor Victor Cumming wonders how these businesses can even survive.

91裸聊视频淭he number of these establishments in our vicinity is very high. There91裸聊视频檚 the green mile (Westside Road), there91裸聊视频檚 another one by the airport on IR 6. I believe there will be a shakeout, I don91裸聊视频檛 think there91裸聊视频檚 the margins to allow that many,91裸聊视频� Cumming said.

91裸聊视频淚 have been surprised by how little activity there is out in front of these businesses around the city. I don91裸聊视频檛 know how they91裸聊视频檙e making enough money.91裸聊视频�

In the meantime, Cumming said a bylaw and RCMP reported from approximately one year ago said there have been no issues with any of the cannabis outlets. Each application submitted to the city includes a non-refundable $5,000 fee.

91裸聊视频淭his is the cost of doing business,91裸聊视频� Anderson said.

But these specific applications drew a number of concerns, with six letters of opposition for one.

91裸聊视频淎lthough competition is healthy, at this scale the viability of the existing retail outlets is already stretched,91裸聊视频� Hive Cannabis owner Neil Rockerbie said in a letter to council. 91裸聊视频淪econdly, this retail outlet is located a stone91裸聊视频檚 throw of Hive Cannabis and I would question the need for another cannabis outlet in such close proximity.91裸聊视频�

Hive is located within 50 metres of one of the proposals being forwarded.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 becoming saturated in the downtown,91裸聊视频� Coun. Dalvir Nahal said.

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