Business owners are likely breathing a puff of relief after the Ontario government reversed its decision to completely close cannabis retail stores due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced Tuesday evening that it would be authorizing the province's cannabis retail stores to provide delivery and curbside pick-up services. However, the pot shops will still be required to keep their doors closed to the public.
On April 3, the Ford government announced enhanced restrictions on what is considered to be an essential service during the pandemic. Retail cannabis stores did not make the cut until the decision was upended on Tuesday.
The province approved the change with a temporary emergency order in an effort to "help fight against the illegal cannabis market."
"We’ve been working closely with the government of Ontario on ways to support cannabis retail store operators and legal recreational cannabis consumers since the stores were ordered to close following a provincial order declaring a state of emergency," said Jean Major, registrar and CEO with AGCO, in a news release. "This new measure helps address consumer demand and maintain a revenue stream for store operators while supporting the government’s broader objectives.”
The order to allow pot shops to offer delivery and curbside pick-up will last for 14 days, but it could be extended if deemed necessary.
The Consumer Choice Center said it is pleased the province changed its stance on retail pot sales.
"Allowing for delivery and curbside pick up means that retailers can stay open while protecting consumers from the spread of COVID-19," said David Clement, the Toronto-based North American affairs manager for the Consumer Choice Center, in a news release.
However, Clement took issue with the government only issuing a temporary order, arguing that delivery services should remain in place for retail stores that sell cannabis.
"Prohibiting retailers from offering delivery was always a silly and misguided policy. Once everything has returned to normal, our hope is that retailers will continue to be allowed to offer delivery options for their consumers. Allowing for retailers to deliver will help the legal market compete with the black market, which is something that everyone should be on board with," said Clement.
Cannabis stores authorized by the AGCO will be permitted to operate under the new emergency order from Monday to Sunday, between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
To date, the AGCO has issued 423 retail operator licences and 59 retail store authorizations.