The City of London is defending its move to paint over a sign promoting a Richmond Row cannabis shop.
The controversial action has sparked widespread online reaction, with many suggesting the move was an ‘overreach’.
“That’s a little ridiculous. They need a sense of humour,” a woman told CTV News as the sign was being painted over.
The move to cover the sign, which read ‘Your Highness Cannabis’, traces back to actions initiated by the city over three years ago, according to Ali Khan, the owner of the business.
Earlier this week, he spoke to CTV News off-camera about his frustrations with city staff and city councillor Peter Cuddy.
On Friday, he went before the lens with his reaction.
“Well, we’re still trying to digest this. What happened to our mural? We just need to get clarification from the City Council. On what basis did they do that?” he said.
Khan stated he has attended multiple meetings with Cuddy over the past several years. During each session, he was informed that the city planned to paint a more ‘welcoming sign’ over his message, and each time, he verbalized his opposition.
“My question was like, what’s wrong with the mural? Why do you want to take down my mural and put yours up?”
Cuddy has told CTV News the city went through the proper channels before acting.
However, when pressed, he could not explain, in detail, what process gave the city the legal right to paint over the sign.
Read the full story at CTV News
