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DC Council advances permanent ban on pot clubs

WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided D.C. Council has advanced legislation that would permanently ban marijuana smoking in private clubs. Possession of up to 2 ounces of pot has been legal in the District since early last year. Congress has blocked the city from any further liberalization of its marijuana laws. However, advocates said there was…

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FILE - In this April 19, 2014 file photo, with the Colorado state capitol building visible in the background, partygoers dance to live music and smoke pot during the annual 4/20 marijuana festival in Denver. States that have legalized pot are taking a fresh look at making it easier for out-of-state investors to get in the weed business, saying the pot industry’s ongoing difficulty banking means they need new options to finance expansion. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, file)
FILE – In this April 19, 2014 file photo, with the Colorado state capitol building visible in the background, partygoers dance to live music and smoke pot during the annual 4/20 marijuana festival in Denver. States that have legalized pot are taking a fresh look at making it easier for out-of-state investors to get in the weed business, saying the pot industry’s ongoing difficulty banking means they need new options to finance expansion. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, file)

WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided D.C. Council has advanced legislation that would permanently ban marijuana smoking in private clubs.

Possession of up to 2 ounces of pot has been legal in the District since early last year. Congress has blocked the city from any further liberalization of its marijuana laws.

However, advocates said there was room to carve out an exception for smoking pot in places outside the home, such as businesses with designated smoking areas.

Councilmember Jack Evans moved to delay a vote on the permanent ban until a compromise could be reached. Two other members of the council’s Judiciary Committee sided with him on Wednesday. But Council Chairman Phil Mendelson used his power to vote in committee to cast a third vote in favor of the ban, moving it forward.

 

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