By Richard Dyer | YourValley
A variance to reduce the use separation requirement between a tobacco retailer that allows marijuana smoking and a public school from 1,320 feet to 250 feet is to be considered in October by the Tempe Board of Adjustment.
The board was to consider the variance requested by Exhale Society Inc., 35 E. Broadway Road, during a Sept. 25 meeting but continued it in a 5-2 vote to Oct. 30.
A work session is to be held at 5:30 p.m. and a meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 30 at the City Council Chambers at Tempe City Hall, 31 E. Fifth St.
Jon Gillespie, an attorney with Rose Law Group, the applicant, asked during the Sept. 25 meeting for the continuance for the business, a private lounge and club.
The primary attorney working on the case was sick and could not attend the meeting, Gillespie said.
“I may have graduated from ASU law school in 2018 but I do not know all facets of the law and I’m not a cannabis attorney,” he said. “I do not feel we can adequately represent the interests of Exhale Society today without (M. Ryan Hurley) being here, so that’s why we’re asking for your consideration of a continuance to the next hearing.”
Board members asked city staff if Exhale Society is open for business. Exhale Society cannot be in operation at this location at this time because of violations with the city code, Drew Yocom, deputy community development director, told the board.
