Seattle to allow more pot shops

SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle officials have approved a proposal brought by Mayor Ed Murray that would allow for more pot businesses to set up shop in the city.

The Seattle Times reports (http://goo.gl/L30Ut1 ) the City Council agreed Monday with Murray's plan to reduce the required distance between marijuana businesses and places like child-care centers, libraries and public parks.

The buffers would decrease from 1,000 feet to 500 feet in most parts of the city. However, no more than two pot shops within 1,000 feet of each other citywide would be allowed.

The state Liquor and Cannabis Board has proposed doubling the number of legal retail stores in Seattle from 21 to 42.

Murray has suggested raising the total to 62 to put the city on par with Everett and Tacoma.