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Bluesfest organizers are getting a jump on the coming legalization of cannabis by providing a smoking area where patrons can smoke medical marijuana with proof of a prescription. Cigarette smoking is also permitted in the new area.
“It is a very hot and confusing topic right now, and these things will take time to sort out,” says Mark Monahan, Bluesfest’s executive director, of the coming legalization.
“We’re making an effort to be proactive on this, and trying to make the best of the situation and try to please everybody. For those who don’t want to be around smokers, we have a place to send (the smokers).”
In the past, many smokers have simply lit up in the crowd.
“People have been smoking in areas where it’s not permitted, and it’s difficult to police,” Monahan said. “By establishing an area, we’re hoping people will respect the other areas where we’re asking them not to smoke.”
It’s believed to be the first time in the festival’s 24 years of existence that a smoking area has been designated. It may also be the first time a Canadian festival is providing a place for users to consume cannabis, although Calgary’s city council recently amended a bylaw to allow for designated pot-smoking areas in public places such as festivals and parks.
Ottawa, on the other hand, does not allow smoking of any kind on municipal property, including bar and restaurant patios, parks, playgrounds, beaches and outside city-run facilities.
Bluesfest, however, takes place on land owned by the federal National Capital Commission.
“We’re not on city property,” said Monahan. “We’re on federal land. So smoking can be permitted in certain situations.”
The smoking area will comply with regulations stipulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. You can’t, for example, consume alcohol at the same time.
The new smoking area will be adjacent to the main concert bowl, located west of Booth Street on the south side of the park. Patrons won’t be required to scan in and out to access the area, but there will be security. Marijuana users will be required to provide proof of a prescription. Food and alcohol will not be allowed.
Bluesfest starts Thursday, July 5, and runs until July 15 on the grounds of the Canadian War Museum at LeBreton Flats park.
lsaxberg@postmedia.com
查看原文...
“It is a very hot and confusing topic right now, and these things will take time to sort out,” says Mark Monahan, Bluesfest’s executive director, of the coming legalization.
“We’re making an effort to be proactive on this, and trying to make the best of the situation and try to please everybody. For those who don’t want to be around smokers, we have a place to send (the smokers).”
In the past, many smokers have simply lit up in the crowd.
“People have been smoking in areas where it’s not permitted, and it’s difficult to police,” Monahan said. “By establishing an area, we’re hoping people will respect the other areas where we’re asking them not to smoke.”
It’s believed to be the first time in the festival’s 24 years of existence that a smoking area has been designated. It may also be the first time a Canadian festival is providing a place for users to consume cannabis, although Calgary’s city council recently amended a bylaw to allow for designated pot-smoking areas in public places such as festivals and parks.
Ottawa, on the other hand, does not allow smoking of any kind on municipal property, including bar and restaurant patios, parks, playgrounds, beaches and outside city-run facilities.
Bluesfest, however, takes place on land owned by the federal National Capital Commission.
“We’re not on city property,” said Monahan. “We’re on federal land. So smoking can be permitted in certain situations.”
The smoking area will comply with regulations stipulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. You can’t, for example, consume alcohol at the same time.
The new smoking area will be adjacent to the main concert bowl, located west of Booth Street on the south side of the park. Patrons won’t be required to scan in and out to access the area, but there will be security. Marijuana users will be required to provide proof of a prescription. Food and alcohol will not be allowed.
Bluesfest starts Thursday, July 5, and runs until July 15 on the grounds of the Canadian War Museum at LeBreton Flats park.
lsaxberg@postmedia.com
查看原文...
