Eastpoint Council debates late-night marijuana dispensary hours amid local business concerns

The Eastpointe City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, sparked heated discussions surrounding the operating hours of recreational marijuana dispensaries. A key point of contention arose when a council member questioned the rationale behind allowing these facilities to remain open until midnight on weekends, while other local businesses close much earlier.

The council member expressed frustration over the lack of clear answers from fellow council members, particularly Councilwoman Paschalik, who has been a strong advocate for the dispensaries. Despite repeated inquiries, the council member noted that responses from Councilman DeMonaco and others did not directly address the concerns raised about the extended hours.

The council member highlighted that neighboring cities typically limit dispensary hours to 9 or 10 PM, questioning why Eastpointe would diverge from this trend. They pointed out that local restaurants and bars also close earlier, suggesting that the late hours for marijuana facilities could create an imbalance in the community's business landscape.

In addition to the marijuana discussion, resident Karen Morajan praised the efforts of the Detroit Bridal Welfare Group for their work in rehabilitating injured wildlife. She emphasized the dedication of volunteers in this challenging field, underscoring the importance of community support for such initiatives.

As the council continues to navigate these discussions, the future of recreational marijuana operations in Eastpointe remains uncertain, with potential implications for local business dynamics and community standards.