Within days of opening, the Vermilion YSS by Solo Cannabis retail store was held back by the AGLC’s decision to suspend any licences until further notice. On November 21, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC) issued a statement explaining that they have only received 20 per cent of their cannabis orders. A national shortage has halted them from receiving product from existing or alternative producers. As a result, they issued the temporary suspension. “Unfortunately we are caught by the AGLC announcement. Right now we are unsure when they are reopening the licensing process and therefore are unsure on when we can open in Alberta,” said Theo Zunich, YSS by Solo’s vice president of corporate development. At the time of the decision, their Vermilion store was 100 per cent complete; just awaiting the AGLC final inspection & cannabis supply. In the mean time, the company plans to focus on their Ontario locations which will continue their licensing process on December 17. “In Vermillion we had verbal commitments from seven retail staff (YSS Cannabis Discovery Consultants). Our whole team from Calgary to Vermillion was really looking forward to our first day. We even had a day of training planned for this week. Unfortunately without a timeline on the AGLC licensing suspension we have no clarity on when we can open our doors. We have communicated the situation to the Vermilion team and their supportive responses have only further inspired us; after the calls our Director of Human Resources, Trevor Hammer, stated ‘Wow, we have some amazing people in Vermilion!’” said Zunich. He expressed that YSS by Solo continues to look forward to working with the community in Vermilion in the future and said, “Since opening the Solo Liquor doors approximately three years ago, Vermilion has been an amazing community to be a part of. The whole Solo family remains committed and incredibly excited to provide new employment and a safe, convenient and trusted destination to explore and discover legal cannabis.”
- Vermilion Voice