To: Cannabis Licensees and Stakeholders
Fr: Chief Justin Nordhorn, Enforcement and Education Division
Re: 4-20 and Social Distancing
Greetings Cannabis Licensees and Stakeholders,
W.e recognize the month of April is typically a busy time for cannabis retail licensees. As April 20th (4-20) is approaching, we want to share some risk management ideas to encourage compliance with the Governor’s Proclamations involving social distancing.
Even in the midst of COVID-19, we understand you neeed to use marketing strategies for continued business success. As a business remaining open during this time, we ask that you continue efforts in practicing social distancing by maintaining six feet of distance between all people within and outside your store and refraining from having any gatherings. More recommendations on how you can do your part as a retail establishment to prevent the spread of COVID-19 can be found on the COVID-19 section of the LCB website.
In short, this is a different year than most. We are counting on you to ensure your store is not a place where people are congregating. That may mean reconsidering sales or promotions you have run in previous years. If you must run promotions, consider offering them across the entire week or month to minimize a rush on a single day that could compromise social distancing measures. This will assist Washington communities from engaging in actions that compromise the health and safety of all by preventing the spread of the virus.
Ideas for Things to Avoid
- Any advertising encouraging 4-20 event participation at your location;
- Discounts for product only available on 4-20-20;
- Using outdoor advertising to draw large volumes of customers to shop on a specific day;
- Vendor days and events where large groups could congregate; and
- Extra activities such as hiring food trucks and bands.
Alternative Ideas:
- Tailor advertising to accommodate for physical distancing, such as advertising occupancy limitations or staggered pick up times;
- Advertising sales distributed over the entire month of April; and
- Enacting policies promoting a safe environment to shop, (i.e. commitment to maintain social distancing by marking six-foot increments on flooring inside and outside of store, and allowance for curbside pickup).
General Compliance Reminders
- Avoid any cannabis advertising which might be especially appealing to minors. This would include the use of bunny rabbits, colorful candies, Easter eggs, children playing, etc.;
- Do not use mascots, costumed characters, or sign spinners outside of your premises;
- Do not engage in any giveaways, including free food or beverages;
- Avoid selling unauthorized merchandise other than allowed by law;
- Do not use coupons or bring-this-to-get-that type promotions;
- Do not allow consumption of cannabis upon the licensed premises;
- Do not host or promote “smoke friendly” events. The opening or consumption of cannabis is only allowed in private areas, outside of public view. If your event is advertised, and/or charges a fee to attend, and/or is held in a public place, it is likely not a private event.
COVID – 19 reminders
- All gatherings, including family and private ones, regardless of the number of people involved, are not allowed at this time per Governor’s Proclamations 20-25 and 20-25.1.
Please help keep your customers and community safe. Our mission is to protect public safety, and we hope the above guidance will assist in our collaborative efforts to protect our communities. If you are unsure about marijuana rules, or want to run ideas for advertising or promotions by us, please do not hesitated to call your local Enforcement Officer before you take action.
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