Retail guidelines released for cannabis stores

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

The Alberta government is set to move sales of recreational cannabis from street corners to store owners, with the guidelines released Feb. 16 as soon as approval is given from the federal government.
Officials say they kept public safety as their primary focus in establishing guidelines.
“These regulations focus on keeping our communities safe, while protecting public health and promoting safety on roads, in workplaces and in public spaces. They’ll help keep cannabis out of the hands of youth, while ensuring consumers have access to safe products no matter where they live,” said Kathleen Ganley, Alberta’s Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.
As of March 6, 2018, people can apply for retail licenses from Alberta Gaming and Liquor Control (AGLC) and must adhere to their rules and guidelines.
“For more than 20 years, the AGLC has been a regulatory leader in the management of Alberta’s gaming and liquor industries. We will continue to be a leader through age verification processes for online purchases and the promotion of responsible sale and consumption of legal cannabis,” said Alain Maisonneuve, president and CEO of AGLC.
All applicants’ information will be posted on the AGLC website. The applications are subject to consideration for any objections to the applications and applicants will be notified of the objections. They have 14 days to reply to the objections. The AGLC continues to monitor objections after licensing, and those objections may affect the stores right to re-license.
Stringent background checks are done on owners, shareholders, directors and key employees to target possible organized crime activities involved in sales. Owners of cannabis stores cannot own any other business, except the retail cannabis stores.
Approval of licensing is expected to take about 21 days. The AGLC are limiting companies to 15 licenses.
There is a 100-metre buffer zone separating stores from schools and provincial health facilities, which municipalities can override according to residents’ desires. There is a $3,000 deposit fee, with a $700 annual license fee and a $400 non-refundable fee for each store location. To set up shop, the applicant must get approval from the municipality regarding land use, zoning and licensing.
The shipping/receiving areas must be separate from other businesses and a secure storage area is expected, complete with security measures such as video surveillance, locked product displays and active alarm systems.
There are specific requirements for signage, one of which is to exclude any reference to getting high or intoxicated. Only approved cannabis accessories can be sold and product for sale is purchased through the AGLC.
Sales can occur between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m., similar to liquor outlets. Those selling the product have to register with the AGLC and complete the SellSafe certification course, which will be available in May 2018. All employees require a criminal record check.
No minors will be allowed in the store and employees have the right to check identification for anyone under the age of 25 years. Online sales will be handled through the AGLC.
For more information on cannabis sales guidelines check out the AGLC website (www.aglc.ca).