Council approves first reading of ordinance for cannabis business licensing

The Albert Lea City Council on Monday approved the introduction of an ordinance regulating the licensing of cannabis businesses in the community, as well as cannabis-related events.

The action comes after the council previously approved the zoning requirements for various cannabis businesses.

Albert Lea City Manager Ian Rigg said the ordinance is as restrictive as possible in the number of retail establishments — with two — noting it is easier to allow more in the future, depending on the community’s tolerances, than it is to take them away if there are too many from the start.

The ordinance is also as restrictive as possible for the hours of operation, as well as with temporary events.

Rigg said while the state will grant the licenses to the cannabis business owners, businesses will be required to register with the city. The city will still have a chance to review the business and verify that it meets all local zoning ordinances and complies with the state fire and building codes.

The city will also conduct at minimum one compliance check per year with the supervision of law enforcement to assess if the business meets age-verifying requirements

He said the ordinance is intended to serve as a guide for what will likely be restrictions on other adult-use business licenses.

Third Ward Councilor Jason Howland asked if Rigg was aware of any licenses given out at the state, and Rigg said he was not aware of any locally at this point.

Sixth Ward Councilor Brian Anderson thanked city staff for their hard work on the issue, especially with minimal guidance from the state.

Rigg said while the second reading of the ordinance will be at the next meeting, he would not be surprised if city staff have to bring the ordinance back to the council after that in the future as the state provides further guidance. He said there have been many unknowns.

He also said staff plan to make adjustments for the other adult-use businesses that are part of the moratorium as well in the coming weeks before the moratorium expires.

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