Lounges have been a long debated topic in Las Vegas, possibly since legalization day last year. With the millions of tourist that come to the city every year, one would think the state would be eager to join Denver in allowing public consumption in licensed business. Despite the economic boost that would undeniably come, as a result, Nevada is set on doing cannabis the right way.
Originally, the legislation only allowed for consumption in private residences. The idea of consumption lounges was originally put off until a vote later this year, pushing the overall outcome to 2019. The state used Denver as a model to see the possible impact of these sorts of business. “We’re trying to get it right the first time,” Assistant City Attorney Bryan Scott told stakeholders at a workshop on the city’s draft rules for marijuana social use venues. After late last week, however, Las Vegas city officials revisited the idea of social consumption lounges.
On the 27th of June, the city council hosted a workshop on cannabis social use venues. It was to gauge the public’s opinion on a place for locals and tourist alike to consume cannabis. Based on the discussions, the venues would house similar rules to that of cannabis dispensaries. The use of cannabis would be allowed in “social settings” while only allowing those 21+ into establishments. Those who are looking to own lounges would need to acquire a special-use permit, go through a background check, be at least 1,000 feet away from schools, provide 24-hour surveillance for their business, as well as pay an annual fee of $5,000. Due to the nature of this new business, additional documents may be required such as:
- Written statements acknowledging all applicable laws and the penalties for violating these laws
- A written statement to the Director releasing liability of the City to issuing a license to the establishment
- Acknowledgment that the issuance of a privileged license is at the discretion of the City Council
- A security plan designed to ensure compliance with the ordinance
- A fire safety plan designed to ensure the safety of employees, patrons and the public
Though Councilman and medical cannabis user, Bob Coffin, saw some issues with the draft rules, he feels “social requires several kinds of lubricants and food.” Coffin is sponsoring the city’s ordinance favoring beer and wine sales at venues for this reason. At the moment, however, the proposed rules have barred venues from serving alcohol above 11 percent by volume in addition to not allowing the sell or storing of marijuana products on-site.
The current proposal, however, wouldn’t allow for any cannabis consumption outdoors at the venues that are granted licenses, like beer gardens or rooftops. The decision to not allow outdoor uses was combated with the high cost of annual fees. As well, the issue of employee consumption was another unresolved point. Venue workers cannot be “intoxicated or under the influence” of alcohol or marijuana while working. Attendees argued that employees may use cannabis for medical reasons and prohibits them that ability.
City officials are grappling with how to balance that line with the reality of second-hand effects for venue employees working in a room where people are smoking for hours. Simply stating that they were “ trying to figure that out.”
Based on a poll of the TSW community, there’s overwhelming support for the motion! Not one person thinks that social consumption lounges should be put off any longer.
Many look to states that have allowed public consumption in some capacity for reasons why Las Vegas should join the crowd. The LA Times even sees the hospitality industry embracing the use of cannabis more openly. The Desert Hot Springs Inn, near North Palm Springs, is one of the only hotels to openly welcome consumption on the property. Cannabis advocates and hotel experts both agree that they won’t be the only ones for long.
The primary reason for the hesitancy is the fear that pot-friendly hotels will scare away guests with children in tow or business travelers who are paying with a corporate expense account. Too many bigger hotel companies see cannabis as a “small niche-thing” or as something that won’t work on a larger scale. Contrary to what many believe, many cannabis-friendly hotels say increases in guest because of the niche.
Las Vegas city officials informed attendees that input was still being considered and the earliest a vote on the topic would be three months from now.
Written by: Joycelin Arnold
