UP IN SMOKE

North Van's first-ever hemp store may go up in smoke unless its owners apply
for a business license.

Hemplicious, located at 209 Lonsdale, has been operating without a valid
business licence since opening on October 1.

On Dec. 6, North Vancouver City council will receive a report from the
City's property-use inspector stating that the owners of Hemplicious should
"either obtain a business license or cease to operate within the
municipality."

Should the business continue to operate unlawfully, staff would be directed
to seek appropriate recourse, including an Order from the Supreme Court of
British Columbia to cease and desist to operate in the City.

Property-use inspector Tony Wilson visited Hemplicious after seeing a
newspaper ad for the grand opening of the store. "I provided [the store
owner] with an application form."

The owner of the store, Bruce Vernon, replied to Wilson in a letter,
stating: "In opening, I would like to mention that I am in favour of
purchasing a business license and complying with all laws, if applicable to
me as a Natural Person, as I would like to stay in good standing with the
City and the relationships I have with it. If I am able to get a business
license, which says I am operating my enterprise without profit or gain, I
will be happy to comply. I am just against getting something which implies
that I am doing something (running a business for profit or gain) when, in
fact, I am not (as per my previous letter)."

Vernon, is expected to speak when the matter is brought before council on
December 6.