People in Fairview won’t be able to smoke pot in any public places once it is legalized on October 17th. Town council has brought in a bylaw that will treat legal weed in the same way as alcohol.
The decision was made based on the results of a public survey. Residents were asked if they would like the town to stick to the provincial and federal regulations or to not allow the public consumption of cannabis.
Of the 271 people who responded, 83 per cent said they wanted a bylaw banning smoking in public. The town says they also took into account the recommendations of local RCMP and the direction of many municipalities in Alberta.
Anyone who uses marijuana medicinally will be exempt from Fairview’s bylaw. They must provide a medical note if requested by an officer.
Permits for public consumption could be issued for events, provided it is only allowed in a designated area. Town council could also designate public places for smoking in the future.
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis says it has received one application for a retail cannabis store in Fairview so far. Shops can only be located in commercial districts, and have to be at least 100 metres from provincial health care facilities and schools.