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Vernon Bylaw Officers Ready For Marijuan

Bylaw Officers Ready For Pot Infractions

Oct 17, 2018 | 6:19 AM

As cannabis use becomes legal, each municipality has its own rules as to where it can — or can’t — be smoked.

Nick Nilsen from the City of Vernon says their rules are similar to regular smoking.

“The smoking and vaping of all products, that’s tobacco to marijuana, will be allowed in private property unless otherwise prohibited. It will be allowed on roadways, which includes sidewalks, However not within six metres of a doorway or air intake. That’s a provincial regulation.”

It’s also not allowed while you’re driving, or at transit stops, schools, parks and public boat launches.

Nilsen says enforcement by bylaws staff will begin today.

“Bylaw may issue warnings for the short term, however they reserve the right to issue tickets to gain compliance. And of course that is our goal. We want people to follow the bylaws.”

People are encouraged to report violations.

“You can call in a complaint if you see people smoking or vaping in a public place. Our bylaw compliance officers will attend. However, more serious calls are attended to first, which may delay arrival.”

Nilsen says it will be up to the RCMP to deal with any pot shops open illegally.