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The storefronts denied today had all applied for hardship exemptions before it was removed from the city's marijuana dispensary moratorium earlier this afternoon. Only owners from two stores appeared to speak during public comment, noting they were unprepared because notices of today's hearing were only sent out last Friday.
The owner of Grasshopper 215 in the West Valley spoke with his lawyer explaining that he was a legitimate business. Then Councilman Dennis Zine pulled up a police report citing numerous issues including increase in crime, a DEA raid on the previous owners and other issues regarding the location.
No matter, all cases were denied unanimously, therefore making the handful of stores illegal.
What's next? it won't be the LAPD busting in, knocking down doors and slapping cuffs on employees. It's a rather lengthy process that begins with Building and Safety inspectors citing stores, then issuing an order to comply and then having the city attorney's office file a lawsuit.
The council will continue to rule on the over 500 hardship exemptions applications submitted over the last two years throughout future meetings.
*UPDATE: The original post said 14 exemptions were denied, but two dispensaries withdrew their applications before the hearing.