Cannabis lounges are coming to SLO County. Here’s what it will look like
Grover Beach is officially the first local city to allow cannabis lounges to operate within its borders.
According to a city news release, the Grover Beach City Council adopted an ordinance at its meeting May 23 to allow and regulate onsite cannabis consumption areas and temporary cannabis special events.
The move allows the city’s four existing cannabis retailers to operate cannabis lounges where people can smoke, vape or eat cannabis products in a legally allowed setting.
“Grover Beach has four cannabis retailers that have demonstrated their commitment to following the city’s regulations as they generate economic activity,” Mayor Jeff Lee said in the release. “We are confident that our cannabis retailers will maintain these standards if they pursue onsite consumption for their customers in a safe and responsible way.”
The council directed staff to pursue the ordinance in January, saying all four retailers had “expressed interest in adding a cannabis lounge to expand their customer base and provide additional sales opportunities.”
Officials at the time said additional tax revenues from lounges would help support city initiatives and projects.
To address concerns related to the potential impact of outdoor smoke on surrounding areas, the proposed ordinance requires outdoor consumption areas to have odor absorbing ventilation and exhaust systems to prevent any odor vapor or smoke from being detected outside the property boundaries, and to prohibit consumption areas from being visible from any public place or non-age-restricted area, according to the release.
Only the four cannabis retail businesses that have been approved by the City Council can obtain a Cannabis Consumption Business Permit, according to the release.
The ordinance also includes requirements for special cannabis events.
According to the release, any consumption area that includes smoking or vaping must be a designated building or a fully enclosed structure like a tent, with a ventilation system that prevents odors from being detected offsite, according to the release.
“The City Council took great care in making this decision as the city continues to lead the way in creating a safe, thriving local commercial cannabis industry,” City Manager Matthew Bronson said in the release. “Enabling our businesses to provide safe consumption spaces for both local residents and visitors expands economic opportunities in Grover Beach and strengthens our revenue sources to better serve our community.”
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