An application for a non-medical cannabis retail store in Comox which was turned down earlier this year has been given the green light by council.
Prime Cannabis Corp. submitted an application for a commercial strata lot at 278 Anderton Rd – the third of three cannabis stores within the town.
In June, council turned down the application due to the location – particularly as some members felt it wasn’t safe for both customers and staff.
At the Dec. 16 council meeting, applicants Tom Finkelstein and Mohammed Janif said the previous safety concerns have been addressed.
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“I have looked at the letters of objections … if I can say, there is an emotional/psychological reaction. The location of this store in the area … (it’s) frequented as a business centre by the community,” said Finkelstein.
He added there were also objections against the hours, which they changed to close at 6 p.m. Originally, the proposed hours of operation were Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
“The other objections don’t seem to have substance – it’s easy to object to something,” Finkelstein noted. “Some of the citizens who are voicing their objections are taking the easy route in saying “no thanks – two (stores) are enough.”
Coun. Alex Bissinger asked the pair about the overall look and feel of the store.
“There will be one sign on the fascia,” explained Janif. “The windows will have tempered glass … and the store will be like a normal store – no flashing lights. Similar to a (government) store – low-key.”
The recommendation for a licence to be issued was unanimously approved.
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