NEWS
Ontario CANNABIS RETAIL COUNCIL SIDES WITH CAMBRIDGE OVER ‘PATTERNS OF DISCRIMINATION’
Since cannabis became a legal substance in 2018, the business owners who sell it say they continue to battle stigma and discrimination in their fight for fair and equal rights.… [Read More]
Ontario reconsiders window coverings
July 7, 2023
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is seeking feedback on two revisions to the province’s cannabis rules regarding window coverings and inducements.
The first is a rule that says… [Read More]
The Retail Cannabis Council of Ontario, inaugural Conference & Expo
October 27-28, 2022
In the midst of a two-day conference, Adam Vassos chats with Dutchie’s Jay Rosenthal about the state of the Industry and what’s next for Retailers.
What’s next for ontario’s cannabis retailers
June 14, 2022
What's next for Ontario cannabis retailers? A Q&A with Adam Vassos of the Retail Cannabis Council of Ontario… [Read More]
Adam Vassos joins CBC’S ‘Power & Politics’
November 10
Two Toronto city councillors are asking council to endorse a provincial private members bill that would give cities more say on where and how many cannabis licenses can be issued. Adam Vassos speaks to Katie Simpson of CBC [39:00].
Cannabis retail experts say sales could one day hit $1 billion a month
September 25, 2021
The provinicial pot picture is smoking.
As it release its monthly figures, Statistics Canada also provided a breakdown of retail cannabis sales by most provinces this week.
As they have since legalization in October 2018 — when they clocked in at just about $50 million a month for the entire country – sales have been on a rapid climb.
Cannabis retail experts remain bullish, even as their industry continues to take some hard knocks during COVID-19.
“We expect that once the illegal market is eradicated to a great extent, you’re going to be looking at sales of approximately one to two billion dollars a month; which is then going to match liquor,” predicted Adam Vassos of the Retail Cannabis Council of Ontario. [Read More]
Pot sales continue to explode, with stores abounding
September 25, 2021
An exploding market continues to balloon — even during the pandemic — for an industry that is lit.
Cannabis sales reached another record level of $339 million in July nationally, according to Statistics Canada.[Read More]
bE cAUTIOUS IF SERVING EDIBLES AT YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY
December 17, 2019
Right now, the only legal way to consume recreational cannabis edibles in Ontario is if you bake them yourself.
That’s because edibles, made legal in Canada Oct. 17, will not be available at the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) until early 2020. And until they are, a Toronto lawyer whose law firm helps businesses open legal pot shops cautions people against serving them at their holiday parties or handing them out as gifts.
“I would recommend people wait until it’s available legally and that it’s clearly marked, so that when you give it out it’s in a childproof, temper-proof, properly labelled container,” said Adam Vassos, founder of Vassos Law LLP [Read More]
Ottawa to blame for cannabis shortage in ontario
January 9, 2019
A few short weeks ago, thousands of would-be cannabis retailers were gearing up to submit applications to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
The province had promised them an uncapped licensing system. If applicants met the government’s various standards, they would be granted a licence. Ontario was "open for business." And business would be booming. [Read More]
CANNABIS AND PRIVATE SECTOR RETAILING
October 16, 2018
The Ontario Conservative government did an abrupt U-turn this summer when it announced that cannabis will be sold via the private sector. To provide some insight on the eve of legalization, Adam Vassos joins Steve Paikin on The Agenda.
CANNABIS IN CANADA: A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
October 16, 2018
Cannabis stores may be coming in April, but starting October 17, the retail website will be live and Ontarians will be able to legally buy and use the substance. Many people are still confused about rules, rights, and safety. Adam Vassos and a panel of experts join The Agenda to dispel some of the mystery around legalization.
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario should oversee cannabis sales
September 6, 2018
AGCO has the infrastructure and the experience, says lawyer Adam Vassos. On Aug. 13, the Ontario government, in a complete 180-degree turn from the position taken by the former Kathleen Wynne government, announced that it would privatize the retail sale of cannabis in Ontario... [Read More]
Cannabis: In Coming Rush to Obtain Retail Licenses, Potential Retailers to Be Placed Under Microscope, Say Legal Experts
August 22, 2018
Toronto, Ontario – The recent Ford government announcement of a private retail sales model for cannabis creates an uncertain legal and regulatory environment for sellers, consumers, and property owners.
Legal experts in the area of liquor and now cannabis licencing warn of a highly restrictive regulatory environment for potential vendors, consumers, and landlords in the near future.
Adam Vassos, Senior Counsel at Vassos Law, LLP, said “After decades of public distrust towards Cannabis, and the Cannabis industry at-large, we’re expecting things to be very stringent.” According to Vassos, aside from potential retailers; landlords, property owners and community members will also find themselves in murky legal territory.
Vassos added, “In this new legal landscape, there will be strict safeguards put in place on Cannabis sales licences, and many who apply will not be successful. Applicants who stand any chance of success will need to have the proper plans and strategies in place.”
For his part, Vassos has helped shape regulation of liquor licences in Ontario for the past 30 years. Vassos and other experts note the new regulatory environment around cannabis sales will closely mirror existing liquor protocols.
Vassos has assisted Cannabis Licence Applicants in Alberta and Saskatchewan and has now launched a dedicated cannabis division of the firm in Ontario. He advised hopeful cannabis retailers: “You’re about to go under a microscope. You will be heavily scrutinized and your family and friends will not be spared the intrusion.”
Effie Triantafilopoulos Elected Member of Provincial Parliament
June 7th, 2018
Toronto, Ontario – We are excited to announce that our Senior Counsel, Effie Triantafilopoulos, has been elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Oakville North-Burlington.
She won decisively with over 40% of the vote. As a senior member of the Ontario PC party, we look forward to seeing Effie as a key member of the Doug Ford team.
“I am humbled at the opportunity to serve my community and the people of Ontario,” said Effie. “Thank you to our clients for their years of trust in me. I look forward to public life and working to make Ontario the best place to work and live in Canada.”
Effie practices in corporate and business law and has significant experience in international trade, immigration and government and public policy. She brings a wealth of experience and accomplishments in government and public policy, the private sector and the not-for-profit sector to her legal practice.
“We are excited for Effie,” said Founder Adam Vassos. “We know Effie will make a great MPP and will serve her community well.”
On behalf of our team and clients we wish Effie all the best in her role in public life.
INTRODUCING VASSOS LAW LLP
Dear Clients:
On behalf of Vassos Law Partners and Staff, I am pleased to announce the rebranding of the Firm as Vassos Law LLP.
The rebrand reflects our Firm’s evolution in the marketplace, and our growing identity – not just as Toronto’s leading Food and Beverage Firm – but also as a full-service Law Firm that supports all of our Clients’ various legal needs.
Although the Firm’s name is changing, we will continue to honor the founding principles which I set forth with my esteemed colleagues; Richard Kulis, Letizia Filippazzo, Effie Triantafilopoulos, and Dion Vassos.
Vassos law LLP will continue to offer strategic counsel and exceptional service in the principal areas of Food & Beverage, Liquor License Matters, Corporate Commercial, Real Estate, Immigration & International Trade, and Provincial Offences & Bylaws. As always, we are focused on continuing to develop client relationships that are built on trust, commitment, and respect.
The rebrand will be effective as of January 1, 2018.
Our contact information remains the same:
150 York Street, 8th Floor, Toronto, ON M5H 3S5 / Tel: 416-364-1972 Fax: 416-862-1869 Toll Free: 1-855-844-8101 / Website: www.vassoslaw.ca
Adam M. Vassos, Senior Counsel & Founder
cONCERNS RAISED OVER NEW "DRINK AND CARRY" PROGRAM AT TORONTO PRIDE
Global News, 2018
As Toronto Pride prepares to allow visitors to participate in its inaugural ‘drink and carry’ program, concerns are being raised about the policy that would allow for bag and identification checks at any time... [Read More]
The chefs in the hall
The Globe and Mail, 2017
The PATH's voluminous foot traffic inspires The Assembly, a new venture far more adventurous than the food courts you know... [Read More]
Plan for massive nightclub on Toronto's waterfront alarms residents
The Globe and Mail, 2017
Requests to speak to him were referred to the lawyer acting for his company on the licence appeal, Richard Kulis. In an e-mail, Mr. Kulis denied ... [Read More]
Liquor Licence Application Process Needs an Overhaul
City News, 2017
Residents, city planners and nightclub owners locked in fight over Toronto's waterfront
CBC, 2017
There could be fireworks Friday at a meeting to discuss a proposal to expand a popular nightclub at Polson Pier on Toronto's eastern waterfront, pitting urban planners and residents against a corporation seeking a new liquor licence for the site... [Read More]
Residents fear a 15,000-person nightclub could appear on the old Docks site
CBC, 2017
The world's largest nightclub — with a capacity to hold more than 15,000 people — could soon be coming to this city's waterfront, despite objections from neighbours and local politicians, CBC Toronto has learned. The company... [Read More]
New Toronto restaurants and bars stuck in liquor-licence limbo
Toronto Star, 2014
City council, amid a dispute with the province, in April began requiring a letter of approval from an MPP to get a liquor licence. Then came the election... [Read More]