Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cannabis Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council advances first reading of cannabis lounge ordinance, narrows outdoor‑event rules
Summary
The council approved the first reading of an ordinance aligning local rules with AB 1775, retaining operational safeguards and adding a requirement that lounges seeking outdoor events adjacent to liquor or smoke shops obtain land‑use authorization; council emphasized public safety and regulatory oversight.
Palm Springs council members on July 8 gave first reading to an ordinance amending Chapter 5.55 of the municipal code to implement AB 1775’s allowances for licensed cannabis consumption lounges, while preserving local operational safeguards.
Veronica Goodhart, director of special program compliance, framed the draft as a balance between new economic opportunities and the city’s authority to regulate for public health and safety. She outlined permitted activities under AB 1775 and emphasized the city’s role in setting hours, occupancy limits and nuisance mitigation conditions.
Many business owners and industry representatives urged the council to avoid proximity rules that would bar outdoor events near liquor stores or smoke shops. Steven Viatek, owner of a local lounge, told council: “State law makes it clear that alcohol and tobacco, and their consumption are not allowed in cannabis events. ... I ask the city to please keep this simple and respectful.” Industry groups requested that existing lounges be allowed to expand outdoor programming where they can secure the footprint and ensure age verification and security.
Staff recommended keeping a prohibition on outdoor lounge events directly adjacent to smoke shops and liquor stores, saying it reduces enforcement conflicts and protects the public. Goodhart said adjacent in the ordinance means “directly adjacent — it does not mean across the street.”
Council debated whether outdoor events should require a land‑use permit or a simpler written authorization and discussed practical controls (fencing, ID checks and restricted hours). After discussion, council approved an amendment to require land‑use authorization for outdoor events at lounges located directly adjacent to smoke shops or liquor stores; the ordinance passed first reading by voice vote (5–0). The amendment leaves indoor activities and other lounge operations to the existing regulatory and approval processes.
The ordinance retains city authority to set operating conditions, security and nuisance remedies and will return for second reading with finalized operational guidelines and any additional conditions for outdoor events.
What happens next: staff will prepare the second reading, draft operational guidelines regarding authorization procedures, hours and event controls, and return with suggested language for public comment and council approval.
