The proposal by House of Herus LLC, doing business as Chelsea Bud, to extend their operating hours from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. to midnight sparked debate. Representatives from Chelsea Bud justified the request by citing a decline in revenue due to ongoing downtown construction, which has impeded traffic and affected local businesses. They argued that longer hours would serve community members who work late shifts and often miss the opportunity to purchase cannabis products for medical needs. The representatives stressed that without extended hours, customers might resort to illegal purchases, risking exposure to unregulated products.

Despite these arguments, commission members and the police chief expressed reservations about extending hours to midnight. They raised concerns about potential safety risks, given the establishment’s location in a densely populated residential area. The police chief highlighted the heavy traffic and high accident rate at the nearby intersection, arguing that increased late-night operations could exacerbate these issues. A commissioner also pointed out that other cannabis establishments and liquor stores in the vicinity do not operate past 10:00 or 11:00 p.m..

The discussion revealed a consensus among commission members to adopt a cautious approach. They proposed a compromise to allow Chelsea Bud to operate from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, with extended hours until 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. This proposal was approved with the condition that the situation would be reassessed in six months to evaluate the establishment’s compliance and impact on the community.

Another topic was the new entertainment license application for Axe Entertainment Incorporated, operating as Toledo Restaurant and Lounge. The proposed entertainment at the venue, located on Winnimus Street, includes televisions, amplified music, and live music, all intended to create an ambient atmosphere rather than a nightclub environment. Concerns were raised about the potential noise impact on the residential neighborhood, particularly given the establishment’s occupancy limit of 178 people and limited parking. The chief of police expressed concerns about noise disturbances during events, especially late at night, and emphasized the importance of adherence to noise regulations.

William Kaufman, representing a nearby condo association, proposed specific quiet hours to mitigate noise impact. The commission members showed willingness to support the business while underscoring the need for monitoring and compliance to address any emerging issues.

The meeting also addressed a garage and repair license application for Mel’s Tires and Auto Services. The representative explained that the business, which had been operating without the necessary license since November of the previous year, offered tire sales and mechanical work. The commission emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance and open communication between business operators and residents to mitigate community impact.

In addition to these primary agenda items, the meeting included a mention of an upcoming mandatory meeting for local businesses to discuss licensing rules, co-hosted by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). A disciplinary public hearing for Takaria Eucalyptto Corporation DBA Las Vegas restaurant was postponed at the establishment’s request.