Darien To Vote On Banning Recreational Pot Businesses

DARIEN, IL — The city council in Darien is expected to vote Monday on the possibility of banning recreational marijuana businesses from opening in town even though the results of a recent survey show that residents in the city are in favor of allowing such businesses.

According to results published in the agenda packet for the Monday, Sept. 16 City Council meeting, 56 percent of 533 respondents said Darien should allow the sale of recreational marijuana. 44 percent of respondents said the city should prohibit the sale of recreational marijuana. That's 297 votes in favor of allowing it, and 234 against.

The survey was made available to Darien residents only both via social media and the "Darien Direct Connect" email blast that is sent weekly.

But after city officials say the council "discussed" the matter, an ordinance is already up for vote on banning recreational marijuana businesses from opening there. According to the meeting agenda, "the ordinance would prohibit recreational cannabis business establishments within the City of Darien."

"If the ordinance is approved, recreational cannabis business establishments would not be allowed in Darien and no further action is required. If the ordinance fails to get approved, the City will need to take further action aimed at regulating cannabis businesses that would be allowed to operate in Darien."

The city offered a few options on how to regulate marijuana businesses if the ordinance is not passed. If it does pass, the ordinance will amend Title 3 of the Darien City Code by adding New Chapter 10, “Prohibition of Recreational Cannabis Business Establishments within the City of Darien”

Public comment will be taken at the meeting, which is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Darien City Offices, 1702 Plainfield Road prior to the vote.