The Province distributed two discussion papers to local governments to seek input on proposed distance criteria for cannabis retail stores and capacity requirements at licensed establishments with on-site liquor consumption. Local governments may provide written feedback to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) by December 31st. UBCM members that did not receive the discussion papers are asked to contact the LCRB.
The first discussion paper includes a proposal to introduce provincial distance criteria for cannabis retail stores (CRSs). Local governments currently have the authority to set distance criteria for CRSs. Implementation of this proposal could result in a transfer of authority to the Province, which is recommending that CRSs be located at least one kilometre from each other, like provincial distancing rules for liquor retailers. The LCRB is not proposing any other changes that will impact existing local government authority pertaining to cannabis retail operations.
The second discussion paper explores potential changes to provincial occupant load and person capacity requirements at licenced establishments with on-site liquor consumption (e.g., restaurants, bars, brewpubs, nightclubs). As part of an ongoing review, the LCRB is seeking to understand how local governments establish, apply and enforce occupant loads. There is a possibility that the LCRB may consider streamlining these processes, which would impact local government processes and communities where licenced establishments operate.
Given the potential implications, local governments are encouraged to provide their feedback to the Province by December 31st. Local governments may also request a meeting with the LCRB by December 1st, although meeting requests will not be considered until the end of the interregnum period for the provincial election.