Cash Machines at Victoria Pot Shops get Green Light

Article by Bill Cleverley, Times Colonist

Cash machines will be permitted in Victoria’s marijuana dispensaries under bylaw changes given preliminary approval by city councillors.

The prohibition on ATMs was an “unintended consequence” of a regulation that forbids secondary businesses in dispensaries, said Mayor Lisa Helps.

“[The intent of the provision] was to stop pot brownie manufacturing and cannabis smoking and massage therapy, or whatever,” Helps said.

But as each ATM in the city requires a separate business licence, they also fell under the prohibition, she said.

City staff recommended council approve an amendment to the bylaw, similar to one passed by Squamish, enabling use of cash machines in dispensaries.

Only machines operated by third parties — not dispensary owners — would be allowed.

Allowing only third-party operators of ATMs “provides transparency as to where money is coming from and going to,” says a staff report.

Read full article here.