Latest news with #IanScott
Cision Canada
17-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
AGLC Announces Cannabis Welcome at Alberta Concerts and Festivals
Plantlife Cannabis Poised for a Busy Summer EDMONTON, AB, July 17, 2025 /CNW/ - In another nationwide first, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) is expanding cannabis access at public events. Already the first and only province in Canada to permit cannabis sales at 18+ events, cannabis will soon be available at most concerts and festivals. "We see this as a natural evolution of where cannabis retail is headed," said Ian Scott, VP Operations, Plantlife Cannabis. "Festivals bring together a wide range of Albertans — and by operating in designated 18+ zones with transparency, education, and full compliance, we're showing how cannabis can responsibly exist in the same spaces as beer gardens or food trucks. We're proud to be leading this shift." What the New Policy Means "Effective immediately, cannabis store licensees may apply to AGLC for an extension of their licence to temporarily sell cannabis at events and festivals where minors are permitted. Sales shall only occur in designated areas of the event or festival where minors are prohibited." Until now, cannabis sales were restricted to adults-only (18+) events. Retailers could sell cannabis only with a temporary license extension from the AGLC, and sales could not occur within designated consumption areas. Under the updated rules: Cannabis may be sold at events where minors are present, if restricted to 18+ zones Consumption areas remain separate and 18+ only Only licensed Alberta retailers can apply for these special permits This change opens the door for a more inclusive, regulated cannabis presence at Alberta's top music and cultural festivals. Plantlife Cannabis, Alberta's fastest-growing cannabis retailer, is ready to meet the moment. With multiple major festivals on the summer calendar, Plantlife is positioned to be among the first to legally sell cannabis on-site under the new framework. "This is a huge step for the normalization of cannabis in Alberta," said Marcie Kiziak, President of Retail, Plantlife Cannabis. "We've been preparing behind the scenes, and our team is ready to operate responsibly, visibly, and in full compliance at a new kind of cultural event." Where Plantlife Is Showing Up This Summer Branded Graphic Plantlife will be present — and selling — at several major festivals under the new policy: Rockin' Thunder – Edmonton – July 11–12 Cannabis was sold on-site in an 18+ zone; minors permitted elsewhere on festival grounds. Country Thunder – Calgary – August 15–18 Cannabis sales on site in an 18+ zone; minors permitted elsewhere on festival grounds. "We're proud to share that this past weekend's festival marked a successful step forward in integrating legalized cannabis into the live music experience. Our on-site cannabis sales were handled with the highest standards of compliance and responsibility, working closely with regulators to ensure a safe and seamless guest experience," said Gerry Krochak, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Rockin' Thunder and Country Thunder."The feedback from festival goers was overwhelmingly positive — guests appreciated the convenience and atmosphere, and we saw respectful, responsible enjoyment throughout the weekend. We're excited about the future of enhancing festival culture in a thoughtful and progressive way. We're also happy to have this partnership lined up for our Country Thunder event in Calgary this August." "This was a historic moment — we're proud to be the first retailer in Canada to offer legal cannabis sales at an all-ages event. Through careful planning, designated consumption areas, and clear separation from minors, we demonstrated that cannabis can be safely and responsibly integrated into major live events. This sets a new benchmark for what's possible in the evolving entertainment and cannabis landscapes," said Scott. Great Outdoors Comedy Festival – Edmonton – Adults Only Returning for the second year as a trusted on-site cannabis vendor. "We're proud to partner with Plantlife Cannabis as our on-site retail partner. Their commitment to education, compliance, and responsible consumption sets the standard for cannabis retail at live events. They've created a safe and welcoming experience that aligns perfectly with the values of the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival ," said Mike Anderson, President Trixstar Entertainment, Great Outdoors Comedy Festival A First in Cannabis + Culture Integration Plantlife's approach to festival retail includes: Verified ID checks to enter retail zone extensions Branded but compliant signage inside retail zones Product education, not just transactions Partnerships with event organizers for safety and access planning "We're not just showing up to sell," said Scott. "We're there to educate, engage, and help cannabis feel like a normal, safe part of Alberta's cultural moment." Media Access & Interviews Press, content creators, and community partners are invited to: Visit the Plantlife booth at The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival for exclusive behind-the-scenes access Request interview from Plantlife team Request high-res photos, branding, and team bios Note on Compliance All sales and promotional activity are conducted in alignment with the Cannabis Act and AGLC regulations. No cannabis is sold or consumed in the presence of minors. Branded materials are factual, non-glamorized, and focused on responsible access.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fact-checking the West of England mayoral election
All 700,000 voters in the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) mayoral election have been sent a booklet. It contains information about voting, and each of the six candidates gets a double-page spread to make their case. However, some of what they say is inaccurate or misleading. We've looked at some of the statements that have made their way into the booklets. More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol The candidates drew lots to determine their order of appearance. First up is independent Ian Scott, who talks of a "new Frenchay Community Hospital and Urgent Treatment Centre". However, the Weca mayor has no powers over health provision. Steve Smith, the Conservative candidate, advocates "stopping congestion-creating schemes like the A4 bus lane between Bath and Bristol". He is referring to a 2023 proposal for a bus lane on the Keynsham bypass, but that has already been halted by Weca, and nearly all of the candidates would keep it that way. Mary Page of the Greens ventures into economic matters, writing: "After 15 years of cuts… instead of us being better off, it's just the multi-millionaires." But independent experts do not agree. The Institute for Fiscal Studies says we are all in fact slightly better off than 15 years ago. Next is Arron Banks of Reform, who criticises controversial road changes made by South Gloucestershire Council. He says he would "demand the re-opening of Thornbury High Street to cars". But in reality the road is not closed to cars; they can drive along the high street to pick up or drop off. Like many candidates, Helen Godwin of Labour wants more trains. She says she will "secure new railway stations including Ashton Gate, St Anne's, Brabazon, Portishead, Saltford and Charfield". But no securing is needed for two of those; work is already under way for Brabazon and Charfield. By contrast, two others, St Anne's and Saltford, are long-term ideas with no agreed plan or funding, which will not come in the next four years. The last to make his pledges is Liberal Democrat Oli Henman; he talks of "developing a mass rapid transit system". He means trams or a metro, as previously proposed in Bristol, and in his campaign he says he would deliver it. But costs would be huge, so that would also not happen in the next four-year mayoral term. Other information in the booklet is more certain. Postal voting to choose the next West of England mayor is under way. Polling day is 1 May, and voters are reminded that they need to bring a valid photo ID. The count, and the result, will come overnight. Weca mayoral elections: What you need to know Candidates clash in contest to be Weca mayor Mayor hopefuls reject Park Street restriction plan West of England Combined Authority
BBC News
15-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Pledges v reality: fact-checking the Weca mayoral election
All 700,000 voters in the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) mayoral election have been sent a contains information about voting, and each of the six candidates gets a double-page spread to make their some of what they say is inaccurate or looked at some of the statements that have made their way into the booklets. The candidates drew lots to determine their order of up is independent Ian Scott, who talks of a "new Frenchay Community Hospital and Urgent Treatment Centre". However, the Weca mayor has no powers over health provision. Steve Smith, the Conservative candidate, advocates "stopping congestion-creating schemes like the A4 bus lane between Bath and Bristol".He is referring to a 2023 proposal for a bus lane on the Keynsham bypass, but that has already been halted by Weca, and nearly all of the candidates would keep it that way. Mary Page of the Greens ventures into economic matters, writing: "After 15 years of cuts… instead of us being better off, it's just the multi-millionaires."But independent experts do not Institute for Fiscal Studies says we are all in fact slightly better off than 15 years ago. Next is Arron Banks of Reform, who criticises controversial road changes made by South Gloucestershire says he would "demand the re-opening of Thornbury High Street to cars".But in reality the road is not closed to cars; they can drive along the high street to pick up or drop off. Like many candidates, Helen Godwin of Labour wants more says she will "secure new railway stations including Ashton Gate, St Anne's, Brabazon, Portishead, Saltford and Charfield".But no securing is needed for two of those; work is already under way for Brabazon and contrast, two others, St Anne's and Saltford, are long-term ideas with no agreed plan or funding, which will not come in the next four years. The last to make his pledges is Liberal Democrat Oli Henman; he talks of "developing a mass rapid transit system".He means trams or a metro, as previously proposed in Bristol, and in his campaign he says he would deliver costs would be huge, so that would also not happen in the next four-year mayoral term. Other information in the booklet is more voting to choose the next West of England mayor is under day is 1 May, and voters are reminded that they need to bring a valid photo count, and the result, will come overnight.
BBC News
08-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Who is independent candidate for Weca mayor Ian Scott?
On Thursday 1 May voters in the West of England will decide on their next regional can find more information about the election and the candidates West of England Combined Authority (Weca) is a local authority encompassing the council areas of Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) and South Gloucestershire. The Authority is led by the West of England Mayor. Independent candidate Ian Scott Mr Scott is a current councillor representing the South Gloucestershire ward of was originally elected as a Labour candidate, but now sits as an independent after a falling out with the party when he didn't make Labour's Weca Mayoral subsequently accused Labour of ageism and sexism, and is now standing as an independent has disputed his claims, and said Mr Scott didn't turn up for his selection interview. The party added that he was barred for standing against the Labour candidate, as per its rules. He says experience 'is a good thing' Mr Scott was born in North Somerset and has lived in Filton since 1988. He says he has 40 years of political experience, including 12 years as a policy advisor to both Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council. He has previously worked for the Post Office and is currently a regional union representative. He has served on both Filton and South Gloucestershire Councils and has extolled the virtue of his 61 years saying "experience is a good thing". Weca should get more funding, he says Mr Scott believes that the West of England Combined Authority has been "short-changed" by the government's recent Devolution Bill. His policies include demanding money back from central government to spend on local services in Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire. He says he's supporting improved bus routes and fares, new local train services and "more respect for car users". He has no party financial backing Mr Scott has no party financial backing and is paying the £5,000 entrance fee out of his Post Office pension. He needs to receive at least 5% of the vote in order to get his deposit back.
