Vernon wants to issue temporary permits to pot shops

The City of Vernon is taking action against storefront marijuana retailers.

Council has asked staff to develop a bylaw that, if passed, won’t allow the shops to operate, but mayor Akbal Mund said the owners will be able to apply for a temporary use permit.

“The idea is to issue temporary permits so we can get in and look at any safety issues as far as inspection and Interior Health — whatever we need to do until the government actually comes up with the rules,” Mayor Mund said.

Meantime, the city is supporting UBCM’s role to speak on behalf of municipalities when it comes to the province regulating marijuana.

Mund said they want to make sure cities get a share of the tax revenues because cities will be dealing with most of the fall-out.