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Since the beginning of cannabis store licensing in BC, licensees have been advocating for changes to restrictive product visibility rules that forced store owners to black-out windows. In May 2023, the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) granted licensees their wish.
Background
In June of 2020, LCRB amended a previous “opaque windows” rule that required cannabis stores “must be enclosed by floor-to-ceiling walls [including windows] that are not transparent”. The provincial amendment was a “catch-22” for BC cannabis store owners because the federal Cannabis Act disallows cannabis and accessories from being seen from outside the store. To comply with Federal law, many cannabis stores, particularly smaller glass-fronted retailers, had no choice but to keep their opaque windows in place, regardless of the LCRB amendment.
The latest amendment, issued in May 2023, LCRB bulletin 23-04 “Repeal of cannabis visibility rules” goes one step further, making it possible for licensees to remove window opacity once and for all. The “workaround” employed by LCRB is the addition of non-medical cannabis license terms and conditions that prohibit window displays of cannabis products and accessories.
LCRB cites the safety of cannabis store staff and their customers as the reason for the change, following the lead of the AGLC in Alberta. After an uptick in shop burglaries and violent robberies, the Alberta government repealed a similar rule in 2022. Opaque windows gave cover to thieves who could rob a store without being seen by anyone outside.
The “non-transparent walls” rule also make the business appear closed or under construction at first glance.
Thrive Advisors Gives Your Cannabis Store a Competitive Edge
It’s tough out there for a BC cannabis store licensee! With ever-changing rules and regulations, a complex cannabis license application process and lots of competition, you need an edge. Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors is a leader in cannabis license application support and cannabis store operational strategy. By working with a Thrive cannabis consultant you can give your business the boost it needs to truly succeed.
