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Council approves first reading to extend marijuana retail hours from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Summary
Republic City Council gave first reading approval to amend municipal code to allow marijuana dispensaries and microbusinesses to operate until 10 p.m.; dispensary owner urged the change to retain workers who currently travel to Springfield.
Republic City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to extend hours of operation for marijuana facilities in Republic from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Karen Haynes, community development director, told the council the change would apply to dispensaries, comprehensive dispensaries and microbusiness facilities and aligns with Missouri statutory regulations governing retail marijuana sales. "We are asking for an extension from 8PM to 10PM, and, we are recommending approval," Haynes said.
One local business owner testified in support. Alex Paulson, who identified himself as representing Easy Mountain dispensary at 7827 Farm Road 174, said his location is the only licensed dispensary in town and that later hours would retain customers who now drive to Springfield after evening shifts at nearby warehouses. "We feel like we could just generate some more revenue from Republic and serve the people who live in Republic without them having to drive to Springfield," Paulson said.
Council took no final vote on the ordinance; this meeting recorded the first reading and council members were encouraged to consult staff before final action.
Haynes said staff reviewed alignment with state code and recommended the change; Paulson noted the city collects tax revenue on marijuana sales and said later hours would keep more taxable sales in Republic.
