A retail marijuana shop located in downtown Haverhill, may now operate as most other businesses after the City Council Tuesday night removed restrictions that limited the store to appointments only and limit the number of customers per hour.
Stem, 124 Washington St., opened May 30 with temporary conditions that it serve customers on an appointment basis and with a limit of 25 per hour. Owner Caroline Pineau told councilors she has already received a positive response from a city panel established to review such requests.
“I’ve addressed this request already with the Haverhill Police Department, the Fire Department and Engineering Departments. All departments have reported no issues since we’ve opened and all these departments favorably approve our requests,” she reported.
Pineau also requested she be able open her store any time between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. and between noon and 9 p.m. on Sunday. Until now, Stem closed its doors at 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Councilor William J. Macek expressed concern removing these conditions could preclude the Council from reinstating them if a need to do so were to arise. Pineau assured him, however, that she was committed to working with the city in any way they needed.
“I have committed to work with the police department should any issues arise so that we can address any potential issues before they become problems,” she responded.
Pineau also told the committee her business has been diligent about following all COVID-19 guidelines—not only adhering to Haverhill’s requirements but also meeting the Cannabis Control Commission’s guidelines as well.
In the end, the council voted 7-1 to remove the conditions with Councilor Joseph J. Bevilacqua dissenting and councilor Michael S. McGonagle absent.