Social Use Marijuana Venues in Vegas?! An Ordinance Drafted.

June 27, 2018

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Today the City of Las Vegas discussed in a meeting a draft ordinance which proposes regulation for the licensing of Social Use Venues intended for the social consumption of marijuana. The issue of social consumption has been one faced by states with regulated marijuana sales. Consumers have places to buy marijuana products, but do not have anywhere to legally consume other than private residences. This has proven especially challenging in places like Denver where people have been arrested for consuming legally purchased marijuana products, and Las Vegas where the large quantity of tourists find themselves with nowhere to consume their marijuana products purchased legally from dispensaries.

Should this City of Las Vegas Ordinance be finalized and adopted, it would prove to be a big step in the right direction for marijuana consumers and for the marijuana movement at large.

You can find the full drafted ordinance here (SUV 6-5 version #2), and can find a brief summary of the ordinance below.

SOCIAL USE VENUE ORDINANCE DRAFT | SUMMARY DRAFT AS OF JUNE 2018

CITY OF LAS VEGAS

STATE OF NEVADA

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND LVMC TITLES 6 AND 19 TO ADOPT PROVISIONS ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS LICENSE CATEGORY AND LAND USE REGULATIONS FOR SOCIAL USE VENUES (MARIJUANA), TOGETHER WITH ACCOMPANYING REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS; AND TO PROVIDE FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS.

Purpose of Marijuana Social Use Venue Ordinance

Amends LVMC Titles 6 and 19 to adopt provisions establishing a business license category and land use regulations for social use venues (marijuana), together with accompanying requirements and limitations.

Definition of Social Use Venue

“Social use venue” means a business which offers or allows, as part of its business activity, a location and equipment for the consumption of marijuana or marijuana products.

Fees for Social Use Venue Licensees

$5,000 annual license fee

Social Use Venue Application Requirements

Obtain a social use venue license which is a privileged license
Written confirmation by the property owner that the owner is fully aware of the property’s intended use.
A written statement acknowledging that the applicant understands applicable federal laws, any guidance or directives issued by the U.S. Department of Justice, the laws of the State of Nevada and the laws and regulations of the City applicable thereto concerning the operation of an establishment.
A written statement acknowledging that any violation of any laws or regulations of the State of Nevada or of the City, or any activity in violation of any guidance or directives issued by the U.S. Department of Justice
A written statement to the Director that the applicant will hold harmless, indemnify, and defend the City against all claims and litigation arising from the issuance of a social use venue license
A bond to secure that social use venue applicant will be able to cover any possible legal fees incurred from having a social use license. the bond amount will be set by City
Security plan
Operations plan showing compliance with state and city regulations<

Marijuana Social Use Venue Operational Requirements

Each employee of a social use venue must first obtain and maintain a valid work card
It is unlawful for an employee or principal of a licensee to be intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or marijuana products while working on the premises during business hours.
Employees must be at least 21 years of age
No one under 21 years of age allowed inside venue
Marijuana consumption allowed only inside the venue. NOT outdoors or in view of the general public.
CANNOT store marijuana products
Comply with odor control requirements
Key employee must always be on-site
24-hour video surveillance inside and outside of venue

Allowed at Marijuana Social Use Venue

Sale of marijuana paraphernalia
Sale of beer and wine (alcoholic beverages with alcohol content not to exceed 11%, liquor license required. Beverages must be in original container.)

Zoning

C-1, C-2, C-M and M Zoning Districts

Location Requirements

1000 feet away from any school
At least 300 feet away from: City park, church, house of worship, community center, care facility or group home, any location that provides recreational activities for minors, any location that provides instruction to minors

Fines

Not complying with anything which is prohibited in this ordinance may result in a misdemeanor offense and fine of not more than $1,000.00 or by imprisonment for a term of not more than six months