By Lyonel Doherty
Special to the Times
Oliver Town council is not opposed to the idea of the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) opening a BC Cannabis Store in the community.
“We would more than welcome them to come and fill one of the holes on our Main Street,” said Councillor Dave Mattes at Monday’s council meeting.
The town received a letter from Blain Lawson, general manager of the LDB, which is very interested in seeing Oliver host a cannabis store for recreational users.
The provincial government has legislated that the branch will be the sole wholesale distributor of cannabis and the only entity to provide online sales.
Local governments like the Town of Oliver play a key role in the licensing process for retail stores, and have been granted authority to prohibit or limit the number of stores in the community.
Lawson said the LDB is committed to working with Oliver and its law enforcement agency to ensure a smooth and safe introduction of the cannabis market here.
Lawson said keeping cannabis out of the hands of minors will be the LDB’s top priority.
“Unlike liquor stores, minors will not be permitted to enter cannabis retail stores, even if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.”
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When entering the store, there will be an identification check at the entrance. Individuals without identification will not be allowed in.
Lawson said all BC Cannabis Stores will employ unionized staff. Stores in smaller communities may have six to 12 employees.
Workers must undergo special training on how to deal with unruly or intoxicated customers.
The store will have smash-resistant windows, security shutters and interior and exterior camera surveillance.
Town council passed a motion to invite the LDB to submit its proposal.
Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger said these stores will employ local people at union wages, so he voted in favour of it.
Chief Administrative Officer Cathy Cowan said the Town of Oliver permits cannabis retail stores in the town centre and highway commercial zones.
Curious that they’d be so concerned about minors entering a cannabis store when it’s now just as legal as alcohol. Not that it matters much to me but what kind of message does this send? Since the legal age for consumption of either substance is 19 it really doesn’t make much sense to differentiate in this regard.
And of course we all know that no one under the legal age ever partakes in either.