Pot shops appeal denial

Photo: Google Street View

The owner of two marijuana dispensaries in West Kelowna is appealing the cancellation of their business licence.

Representatives of Black Crow Herbals Association Society and Okanagan Cannabis Solutions Society, appeared before city council Tuesday night to plead their case.

In early October, a number of marijuana dispensaries, including Black Crow and Okanagan Cannabis Solutions, were informed their business licences were being revoked effective Nov. 1.

Since then, the city has been issuing $1,000 fines to each on a daily basis.

On Dec. 1, West Kelowna filed a petition in BC Supreme Court, asking the court to declare the businesses are contravening the city's zoning bylaws and cease operating within five days of the court order.

Despite the cancellation, Black Crow Herbals and Okanagan Cannabis Solutions, both operated by Selina Lau, applied for a 2018 business licence in Dec. 18.

The application was denied by the city.

Since fining the businesses each day, city bylaw says one business has shut its doors, however, the others remain open.