Springfield City Council to vote on later hours for marijuana drive-thru sales
Proposal would let dispensaries sell until 1:30 a.m., up from current 10 p.m. cutoff
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - The Springfield City Council will vote Monday on a proposal that could allow marijuana dispensaries to sell through drive-thru windows until 1:30 a.m., up from the current 10 p.m. cutoff.
Dispensary owner cites competition with illegal sellers
Terrabis co-founder Nick Liaromatis said extending drive-thru hours would let the dispensary compete with illegal sellers.
“Every single hour that we’re closed is an hour that the illicit market and criminals don’t have competition,” Liaromatis said.
Liaromatis said late-night sales will happen regardless of the council’s decision.
“Of course, we’re a business, but late-night sales are happening either way. The only question is whether they happen at a tested, ID-checked window or with somebody who doesn’t care about how old the buyer is,” Liaromatis said.
State study on cannabis sales
A state study found licensed sellers account for about 93% of reported cannabis spending in Missouri. Among people who bought from illegal sellers, 62% cited lower prices, with convenience ranking second. The study did not test whether later hours would change those choices.
Councilman raises traffic concerns
Councilman Craig Hosmer said his concern is the effect on neighborhoods near dispensaries seeking later hours.
“I think you’re going to have neighborhoods that are upset about the traffic, the lights, people, you know, sitting in their cars. I think it just creates a problem,” Hosmer said.
Liaromatis said Terrabis’s lobby still closes at 10 p.m. and that cars are not permitted to loiter.
“Lobby still closes at 10 ... there’s no loitering, and we’re proud to say that we turn a car in two minutes when it reaches our facility,” Liaromatis said.
Possible amendment
As written, Monday’s bill would extend drive-thru hours citywide. Hosmer said he expects the council to consider an amendment requiring each dispensary to obtain planning and zoning approval before extending its hours. If the council does not add the amendment, the citywide bill could still pass. Hosmer said he wants the full council to review each permit as well.
“If the conditional use permit came back to council, I might support it. If it doesn’t, I probably won’t,” Hosmer said.
Vote scheduled Monday
The council is scheduled to vote on the hours change and the permit requirement Monday at 6:30 p.m.
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