Newsbrief: LA Council advances referendum on unlicensed dispensary tax

Los Angeles City Council voted 14-1 to advance a ballot measure on taxing unlicensed dispensaries. Subject to approval from Mayor Karen Bass(D), Angelenos will vote on the issue June 2, the day of the California primary.

Unlicensed dispensaries, which don't pay taxes or charge their customers tax have proven tough competition for the city's licensed shops, many of whose owners received licenses through the city's equity program and are now in debt.

In total the licensed businesses owe the city more than $300M.