Cannabis store window coverings now optional amid rise in violent robberies

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“It’s a big safety issue for my staff and my customers,” Leidl says. “That’s our number one concern.”

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We’re really happy with it. _{-Rebekka Leidl, Owner/Manager of Hat Cannabis Inc.}

The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission sent out notice to business owners Aug. 9 about the decision to allow businesses to remove the coverings on their windows.

In a statement, the AGLC says “it is deeply concerned about the rise of violent robberies at Alberta retail cannabis stores, and are working with retailers and law enforcement partners to understand options and increase safety for the public, employees and responding police officers.”

“We’re really happy with it,” Leidl adds. “We’ve been hoping it would come down here for a while. I heard about it in the past, that it was something they we’re thinking about.”

Medicine Hat police are welcoming the news, saying it will increase the safety of employees and customers alike, especially during evening hours.

“It allows us to have that contact and relationship, even though it may be non-verbal with those employees that may be on their own,” says Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser. “So they see us, they feel safe, and as well if anyone that has a nefarious intentions at one of those stores may see us and change their mind and not commit a crime.”

Fraser says while it is uncommon for break-ins and robberies to occur in Medicine Hat, the city is not immune to crime of that nature.

For Leidl, she looks at the decision as a way for business owners to have a voice in the legislation process.

“I’m happy that AGLC is willing to at least work with businesses on our level and realize some of our concerns.” Leidl says.

Hat Cannabis Inc. isn’t wasting any time, but are being mindful of the community.

“We’ve already started,” says Leidl. “We’re pretty lucky with the coverings we put on our windows, they’re fairly easy to take off. Probably not everything, I mean at the end of the day, it is still an over 18 store.”