A Penticton coffee shop owner who notoriously sells marijuana out of Rush In and Finish Café had his business license cancelled on Tuesday.
Jukka Laurio pleaded in front of council on Tuesday to allow his business to continue selling cannabis, saying there is a demand from consumers with ailments.
Laurio said city officials should try to regulate the industry, instead of cancelling his business license.
“I don’t mind the rules and regulations. I want those things; it would make me feel much safer. It would make everybody feel much safer. We could actually improve and expand the services and quality of the products that are provided for the people of the City of Penticton,” he said.
“Think about it because it is going to happen eventually, why not take control now?”
In a 5-2 vote, city council decided to cancel Laurio’s ‘Food & Beverage – Coffee/Doughnut Shop – Coffee Shop & Café’ license.
This past spring, bylaw enforcement officers observed cannabis products being sold in the shop, which the city said is breaking the law.
On April 28, the city gave Laurio a warning that his business license would be suspended indefinitely unless his store stopped selling marijuana on the premises.
WATCH BELOW: The owner defends his business, saying his shop is legitimate.
Despite the fact Laurio’s business license is now cancelled, councillors agreed that regulations should be put in place because of the growing interest of marijuana dispensaries wanting to set up shop in the city and the anticipated changes in federal cannabis laws.
Council made a motion, directing staff to investigate the matter and report the findings within 60 days.
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