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Avalon council reopens debate on recreational cannabis; no consensus for storefronts
Summary
Council heard staff revenue scenarios and resident concerns about a dispensary; prior advisory measures failed and council agreed to study impacts further before any ballot measure or ordinance.
The Avalon City Council revisited whether the city should allow adult‑use recreational cannabis sales. Staff presented revenue scenarios based on tax rates (5%–15%) and cautioned that a single storefront on a small island could produce speculative revenue and would carry enforcement and regulatory costs.
The city manager noted advisory measures on the subject had failed in prior ballots: "That's been on the ballot twice, and it's resoundingly been voted no twice," and council members voiced mixed views. Supporters said a regulated storefront offers tested product and potential revenue, while opponents cited community character, cruise‑ship visitor behavior, smell, and public‑safety concerns.
Council discussed potential controls such as limiting types of products (e.g., edibles only) and placing restrictions on permitted zones and hours. Several members said they are not persuaded the island market would sustain a profitable dispensary year‑round and raised enforcement questions for cruise visitors.
Outcome: Council did not vote to adopt an ordinance or place a tax on the ballot at this meeting. Staff will return with additional information and community outreach options if council wishes to pursue a ballot measure or ordinance.
