The Vancouver Sun reports in its Wednesday edition that Cannabis Culture issued 50 layoff notices to staff on Tuesday as it prepares to close its three unlicensed marijuana stores by the end of the month. The Sun's David Carrigg quotes Jodie Emery, who owns the Cannabis Culture brand and stores, as saying: "It's been a terrible day. Unfortunately, we have to close three of our Cannabis Culture locations in the city. There were lots of tears and it's been very difficult." The Cannabis Culture flagship store, which operates as a bong shop and vapour lounge at 307 West Hastings St., will remain open. "The city is saying that they are going to use every means at their disposal, including jail time, arrests and fines and that was reiterated today," Ms. Emery said. The noose has been tightening around Vancouver's remaining 28 illegal marijuana shops since last month, when the B.C. Supreme Court ruled in favour of the city in its efforts to have those stores close. Until the Oct. 17 legalization of pot sale and use the city had tolerated marijuana stores and even created a set of operating guidelines. Last week, the City of Vancouver announced it had issued its first three business licences to retail cannabis outlets.