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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: 'Dope' cafe go-ahead
Lancaster Evening Telegraph
Friday 15 Nov 2002 A COFFEE shop that has been used by cannabis smokers is set to be given approval to operate by councillors. A planning application for the coffee shop above Studio One tattoo parlour in Warner Street, Accrington will go before Hyndburn Council's development services committee on Wednesday. Members have been recommended to approve it with the only condition being that hot takeaway food is not sold from the premises. The application for change of use from an office to the tattoo parlour and coffee shop, was submitted by Frank Mac, who runs both businesses, after he was told by the council he needed permission. The tattoo studio has been open for a more than a year, but the coffee shop opened in September. Mr Mac does not sell cannabis but allows users to smoke it on the premises. So far only one letter of objection has been received, saying: "We are against this application as we feel that especially as a result of recent events the proposed use is not in keeping with the type of premises and nature of premises in the area." It added there were already two other cafes in the area. But a report to be considered by councillors said there were no policy objections to the application. It added: "The objection to the application alludes to the recent Press reports regarding the use of the cafe as an Amsterdam-style coffee bar. "However, it is not a matter for the local planning authority to determine this application on grounds that it may be used for illegal purposes. "If the proposed cafe is used for any illegal purposes this would be a matter for the police. Objections to the change of use on the grounds that there are adequate facilities in the area is not a planning consideration and cannot be taken into account in determining the application. "The development plan and amenity issues are relevant considerations and I consider that there are no planning grounds for the rejection of the proposed uses at this property." The coffee shop was raided by police last month, and Mr Mac was so outraged he pledged to fill Accrington with bikers at a proposed pro-cannabis rally. No details have yet been announced. The coffee shop has been given the backing of Councillors David Myles and John Burke, who say such ventures would take cannabis off the streets and put it in a controlled environment. Neither were available for comment at the time of going to press. Inspector Phil Cottam, Accrington's police commander, said today: "We will continue to monitor the activities at the cafe, and Mr Mac, to the best of our abilities, and that will be ongoing whether planning permission is given or not." Mr Mac declined to comment. East Lancashire's first Amsterdam-style coffee shop, the Real Jerk takeaway, in Bolton Road, Blackburn, closed last month after owner David Wilson claimed it had become too popular. Mr Wilson, who allowed people to smoke cannabis but didn't sell it, pledged to open a bigger and better coffee shop.
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