The Bel Air Planning Commission met Thursday to discuss adjustments to the town’s guidelines for cannabis businesses and ensure that town code is in line with state regulations.

The commission recommended changes that include reducing the distance cannabis businesses must be from residential areas from 500 to 100 feet.

The body also suggested altering some regulations for cannabis and alcohol businesses to align with the state. Maryland law does not allow the town to impose zoning requirements on cannabis dispensaries that are more restrictive than those on businesses that have a liquor license, Elizabeth Thompson, the town’s legal counsel, said.

Under the adjusted code, neither type of business may be located within 500 feet of places of worship, public parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, libraries, schools, licensed child care centers and registered family child-care homes. Previously, alcohol-related businesses needed to be 300 feet from these locations. The ordinance says both cannabis and alcohol businesses may seek a setback reduction from the Board of Appeals.

The Planning Commission agreed on the changes, which will now go before the Bel Air Town Commissioners. The new regulations, if approved, will apply to any businesses established after Feb. 10.

The Bel Air Town Commissioners wrote a letter to the public Thursday, prompted by social media discourse from community members worried the new measures would make it more difficult for alcohol-related businesses to open in town.

The letter says that the ordinance establishing the changes “is not directed at alcohol retailers” and that the new language aims to meet state mandates without impacting existing businesses or “unduly burdening” new ones.

“There was never infinite intention to stop new taverns and liquor stores from coming into Bel Air,” Thompson said during the Planning Commission meeting. “We’re trying to make this work between two conflicting statutes … and we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place and we’re trying to make it work.”

The town’s planning director, Kevin Small, added he has received roughly five calls over the last 10 months from individuals inquiring about opening a dispensary in the town.

The Town Commissioners’ letter said public input via email is welcomed. A public hearing for the ordinance will be held during the Town Commissioners’ next meeting on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

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