Changes could be coming to business licence fees for retail cannabis businesses in Prince George next year.
A Notice of Motion was brought forward to Prince George City Council last night directing City Administration to return to council with a proposed amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Fees and Charges Bylaw to align the fees for Retail Cannabis with Retail Liquor.
The motion was brought forward by Councillors Kyle Sampson and Ron Polillo.
“At first we put the business licence fees at a higher rate out of concerns for a potential increased police presence or requirement or resources for the city,” Sampson explained.
“It turns out it happens to be no different from a retail liquor store it seems. I believe our perspective, Councillor Polillo and myself, is that this should be in line with a like business, liquor, which is a different rate than the cannabis.”
“I think this is overdue quite frankly,” Polillo added.
“It essentially levels the playing field with a similar business.”
Director of Planning and Development Deanna Wasnik noted if there was a change to the fee, it would be put in place for 2025’s business licences.
Councillor Trudy Klassen was the lone Councillor opposed to the motion.
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