It looks like it’s going to cost up to $1,500 in administration fees just to apply to open a cannabis retail outlet in the Town of Oliver.
A staff report from contract planner Chris Garrish in advance of Monday’s regular meeting of Oliver Council recommends introducing procedures related to the processing of liquor and cannabis referrals from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulations Branch (LCRB).
It’s also recommended to change the Fees and Charges Bylaw to introduce fees related to the processing of referrals related to the retail sale of cannabis.
Back in late July, Council passed a motion to introduce procedures and fees related to cannabis referrals from the LCRB.
The fee for cannabis referrals has, further to the direction provided Council, been reduced from $1,500 to $1,000.
“This reduction is a result of moving the $500 fee for scheduling a public hearing on a referral to an additional fee as opposed to building the cost directly into the application fee,” said Garrish’s report.
“Council is asked to be aware that staff are proposing the inclusion of procedures for liquor licence referrals to the Land Use Procedures Bylaw as part of this process.”
The inclusion of procedures for a licence to open a cannabis retail outlet from the LCRB, but not for a liquor licence is inconsistent and could create confusion in future as to Council’s position regarding the handling of liquor referrals, said Garrish’s report.
The procedures for liquor licence referrals have been drafted to reflect current Town practices, while the fee for these in the Fees and Charges Bylaw are longstanding and are not changing.
The current fee established for referrals from the LCRB for a liquor licence will remain at $500, with an additional fee of $500 if public consultation is required.
Back in April, Council confirmed the proposed town centre and highway commercial (C2) zones as being suitable for allowing the retail sale of cannabis as a permitted use.
At its lasts meeting in late August, Council resolved to approve first, second and third readings of the amendment bylaws.
To view the report, click here.
