City Council debates CBD sale conditional use permit amid health concerns

During the Pewaukee Common Council meeting on July 7, 2025, a significant discussion centered around the conditional use permit for a CBD retail establishment, highlighting community health concerns and operational hours.

The council debated whether to approve the permit based on public health implications. One council member emphasized that if substantial evidence was presented during the public hearing indicating that CBD could pose a health risk, the council had the authority to deny the permit. This point raised questions about the evidence required to support such a decision, with some members expressing uncertainty about the implications of allowing CBD sales in the community.

A key point of contention was the proposed hours of operation for the CBD store. While the conditional use permit initially stated that the store could operate until 10 PM, some council members argued that aligning the store's hours with other businesses in the strip mall, which typically close by 9 PM, would be more appropriate. After some discussion, a motion was made to amend the permit to restrict the store's hours to 9 PM, which was met with mixed responses.

Ultimately, the council faced a tie vote on the permit, with one member breaking the tie by voting against it, citing concerns about the health risks associated with CBD sales. This prompted a motion to reconsider the decision, allowing for further discussion on potentially amending the permit to exclude the sale of CBD products while permitting other retail activities.

The meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing public health concerns while balancing the interests of local businesses. As the council moves forward, the outcome of this discussion will likely influence future regulations surrounding CBD sales and operational standards for businesses in Pewaukee.