Temporary Marijuana Hospitality Permit

The bill creates the state temporary hospitality event permits (hospitality permit) where marijuana may be consumed, but not sold or distributed, at the event premises for a temporary hospitality event (event). Other licensees are permitted to participate in the event. To be issued a hospitality permit, the applicant must hold an active marijuana hospitality business license, apply for the hospitality permit, and pay the application fee. Application standards are set. The state licensing authority sets the application fee to offset the direct and indirect costs of issuing a hospitality permit.

A marijuana hospitality business or a participating licensee is prohibited from:

• Operating an event for longer than 72 hours;

• Hosting more than 15 events per year;

• Selling, transferring, or distributing marijuana at the event premises during an event; and

• Transferring the hospitality permit to another person.

To hold an event at a specific event premises, the applicant must apply for and be issued an event premises permit (premises permit) by the local licensing authority. Standards are set for the application process. To qualify for a premises permit, the licensee must demonstrate that the event premises comply with applicable zoning, fire, and public health laws and comply with the bill. Standards are set for an application for and the issuance of the premises permit.

In order for event premises to be used, the local jurisdiction must adopt a resolution or ordinance authorizing events within the jurisdiction. The local jurisdiction may impose reasonable conditions and limitations.

If a premises permit application is denied, the applicant may request a hearing within 7 days after the denial. If a hearing is requested, the local licensing authority shall hold a hearing to determine if the denial is justified. The local licensing authority sets the fee to issue a premises permit.

The state licensing authority must adopt rules. Both the state and local licensing authorities may enforce the bill and marijuana laws at the events and on the event premises. The state licensing authority and a local licensing authority may separately or jointly inspect permitted events or event premises.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)