An appeal made by the High River Pizza Hut towards the change of classification of Quadz Cannabis, has been denied by the town.

Last month, an appeal was made by the High River Pizza hut towards the neighboring Quadz Cannabis store, which originally applied as a cannabis counseling site but is now changing its operation to a full retail cannabis store.

The High River Subdivision and Development Appeal Board deliberated on the appeal for two weeks, but have ruled in favour of Quadz, allowing them the classification of a retail store.

Co-owner of the High River Pizza Hut, Karla Fitzgerald says, the new addition to the street is completely out of place.

"We weren't really sure about the how we felt about having the store there long term, we are a family establishment, so we decided to put in an appeal, based on the fact that this retail didn't really fit the historical feel of what you would want in a downtown area."

An appeal for historical reasons was not the only deciding factor in the appeal, Fitzgerald says that a clustering of cannabis retail stores downtown presents potential problems for a restaurant owner.

"We are also concerned with smell and venting, because as a restaurant when you have equipment you have an air replacement system, and we are really concerned that if they are venting into the roof, that's going to pull back into the restaurant."

Fitzgerald mentioned that hygienic and health concerns are always relevant in the food service industry.

"We are held to a very high degree, not only in terms of health inspectors, but personally our brand standards are extremely diligent to ensure there is food safety and comfort for our staff and customers."

Fitzgerald says the decision to file the appeal was not one they took lightly.

"It was a risk we took, to invest in this appeal process, and we are disappointed, I think at the end of the day we will have to wait and see how it plays out."

 

Read more:

Change of Use For Quadz Cannabis Appealed

High River Cannabis Retailer Faces Appeal

 

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