La Conner bans cryptocurrency kiosks

LA CONNER - The La Conner Town Council voted Tuesday to ban cryptocurrency kiosks within town limits.

Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that can be used as alternative payments.

According to the resolution approving the ban, cryptocurrencies can easily be used for theft and other illegal activities, their transactions are hard for law enforcement to enforce, and their kiosks have been used in financial scams.

"The Town has limited ability under state and federal laws to regulate the underlying transactions, but can regulate the placement and use of physical kiosks within the Town," reads the ordinance related to the ban.

Oak Harbor resident and AARP Fraud Watch volunteer Dan Wall gave public comment to "strongly support" the resolution.

"What I've noticed, and what the FBI has actually reported in their annual report, is the increasing use of crypto kiosks to get money to scammers," said Wall.

The resolution adds a new chapter to the town's municipal code, defining virtual currency and virtual currency kiosks, and prohibiting the kiosks.

Under the new code, any virtual currency kiosk in place must be removed by the operator within 90 days.

The town is aware of one cryptocurrency kiosk currently operating within town, within a private business.

Anacortes passed a similar ban in April.

The council also discussed a draft of a Public Records Act policy.

The La Conner Town Council typically meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. The meetings are at 6 p.m. at Maple Hall and are recorded.

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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 7:04 AM.