Nearly 48-hours after Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall declared to crack down on illegal cannabis dispensaries, a storefront in downtown Barrie has temporarily closed its doors. This comes in response to Nuttall’s motion that passed at Wednesday’s council meeting, which introduces new rules that would give bylaw officers the authority to fine property owners who lease space to unlicensed dispensaries. “We are going to shut down illegal drug dispensaries in the City of Barrie. If you run a mushroom shop, we are going to find a way to shut you down,” said Nuttall. “If you run an illegal and unlicensed marijuana shop, we are coming for your storefront.” Kush City on Dunlop Street has now posted a notice on their shop window, stating that they are closed until further notice, doing so in respect to comply with direction from local officials as enforcement efforts are set to ramp up. With the proposed plan, city leaders hope to address ongoing concerns around unauthorized cannabis sales and ensure businesses operate within provincial regulations. The city still needs to await response, after sending formal letters to Barrie Police Service, the County of Simcoe and both levels of government to outline its position. The new rules also target the properties that house illegal operations while supporting a more regulated retail environment.
