Old HMV building near Yonge-Dundas Square may become cannabis dispensary

What was once the huge HMV store near Yonge-Dundas Square may become a cannabis dispensary.

Tokyo Smoke, which owns coffee shops in Toronto and dispensaries in Manitoba, has applied to the Ontario government to open a dispensary at the location.

The provincial government announced the recipients of the province’s initial 25 retail licences. The stand-alone stores can be open any day between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., but the businesses must be at least 150 metres away from schools and restrict entry to anyone under 19 years old.

Although Tokyo Smoke did not win the cannabis licence lottery earlier this year, they have teamed up with one of the winners.

“Tokyo Smoke has come to an agreement with one of the Ontario lottery winners to utilize our brand for their Toronto store,” Canopy Growth Corp., the owner of Tokyo Smoke, said in a statement to Global News.

“The lottery winner will have full ownership and control over the Toronto store. Being founded in Toronto, we’re excited that the Tokyo Smoke brand will continue to play a role in how Torontonians both learn about and responsibly experience this new cannabis industry.”

Public consultations by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario on Tokyo Smoke’s application for a licence are underway. People can comment on the application until April 2.

It is unclear when exactly the dispensary would open if the application is approved.

Canopy Growth Corp. would not provide further details as consultations are underway.

The former HMV building has remained empty since the flagship location closed in April 2017.

— With files from Nick Westoll