For now, proposed Cannabis Showcase Events in the town of Canandaigua are a no-go.
Ian Boni, who owns Twisted Rail Brewing Co. and Twisted Cannabis FLX, sought the town’s OK to hold these recently state-approved pop-up sale events at Star Cider in Canandaigua on concert nights at Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center, or CMAC.
The board unanimously said no after a public hearing on June 22.
Tax revenue was among the sticking points.
Because the town in 2021 opted out of allowing cannabis retailers to operate in its borders, the tax revenue from showcase sales would be shared by the municipalities where Twisted Cannabis stores operate: Geneva, Manchester and Bloomfield, but not the town of Canandaigua.
The state did allow municipalities that opted out to host showcase events but required their approval.
Supervisor Don Cotter, echoed by others on the board, called the vote a business decision. Other board members also wanted to see a process developed for approvals of such events first.
“We have the expense with no revenue,” Cotter said.
After the vote, Boni said he respected the decision, but expects to try again for next concert season.
“I think that it’s the right decision for them because there’s too much unknown yet for them not having opted in,” Boni said.
Most of the handful of people who spoke at the hearing, including the owner of a cannabis retail store in the city of Canandaigua, urged the board not to allow the showcase events, most wanting the board to stick to the original opt-out decision.
The board did, however, vote to direct town staff to study the issue and develop a process for guidance for future requests.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Canandaigua board denies cannabis showcase events
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
