Pot shop near school sparks battle
in the provincial legislation to apply for its cannabis retail licence.
Beaches Montessori School is classified as a licensed child-care centre, not a school under provincial law. If it were considered a school, a pot shop would not be allowed to open so nearby, Bradford said in a recent interview.
According to the Cannabis Act, cannabis retailers must be 150 metres away from schools.
“This loophole is leaving out Montessori schools. My view is let’s call a spade a spade, a Montessori school is a school,” he said.
“This is an example of the province pushing something through. I don’t think the regulations were thoroughly contemplated.”
In an email, Sessions on the Beaches, which is owned and operated by Najla Guthrie, said it is “governed by the very strict Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regulations.”
“Sessions on the Beaches will ensure that we meet or exceed all regulatory measures to ensure we are selling cannabis in a safe, responsible and lawful manner,” the retailer wrote.
“(We) will have protocols in place and ongoing staff training on product and social responsibility, to ensure that cannabis and/or cannabis accessories do not get into the hands of persons under 19 years of age or intoxicated persons, in full compliance with government regulations.”
Further, Sessions on the Beaches said it would “have a professional store appearance and create jobs for the local community.”
Leigh Anne Jacques opened Beaches Montessori School with business partner Julie Mitchell three years ago. They care for 65 children age18 months to five years old.
Back in August, news broke that a cannabis shop wanted to open 30 metres away from their child-care centre.
“Parents are totally upset,” said Jacques, who has devoted lots of time to fielding calls and messages from parents. “We’re hoping now we can at least send them to the AGCO website to put in their comments.”
Jacques said they don’t know what the impacts will be when or if a pot shop opens nearby.