Wenatchee Likely to Extend Pot Hours

The City of Wenatchee may be extending the hours marijuana stores can stay open.

Rachel Bean and her husband James purchased Craft Cannabis on North Wenatchee Avenue in April, and soon noticed an inconsistency in the Wenatchee Valley.

"We noticed that over in East Wenatchee/Douglas County, the stores were able to stay open until 11:00 pm." Bean said, "In Wenatchee's city limits we were closing down at 8:00 pm due to the city regulation."

The Beans then began speaking to city and community leaders in an effort to get the ball rolling on the issue.

"It's allowed in other communities. Pretty much across the state, stores are open to 11:00 pm and 12:00 am." added Mrs. Bean, "They have not seen any increase in crime or DUI's. We felt like if we approached it with the city council and showed them the data behind that, it would be good decision and something that could create more revenue for our city as well."

Rachel Bean was born and raised in Wenatchee and is actually a 3rd generation resident. She said that currently, having to close three hours earlier than stores across the river is a difference of about $20,000 to $50,000 of gross revenue per month.

Mayor Frank Kuntz says the City Council will be taking a look at the issue.

"Our staff is pretty busy so I think in December they will take a look at what other jurisdictions are doing. They will do a little bit of research, what kind of complaints we've had." Kuntz explained, "My guess is this is something that the new City Council takes up first part of January of next year. It might be a good issue. At least two new council members will be on board at that point. I think it's up to them and the council to make some kind of policy decision so I think that will happen sometime in January."

After having an opportunity to speak with James Bean, Wenatchee Police Chief Steve Crown stated that he doesn't see any problem with the idea.

Crown said, "They have got a really good grasp on the business end of their sales so I don't see any issues that the police department would raise in opposition of their proposal."

Rachel Bean added that the move would also benefit traffic in the evenings due to her customers no longer needing to drive to East Wenatchee after 8:00 pm.