Issue on ephedrine goes to the ballot

The Council voted 7-1 this evening to put the issue of ephedrine to a public vote. A valid and certified petition had been presented to the City Council, forcing an Ordinance which would have made certain cold medications a "prescription" drug. By State Statute, the Council either had to pass the Ordinance, or put the issue to a vote. The special election must be held within 90 days and the date will be determined by the County Election Officer. Stay tuned for more information...the actual wording on the ballot will be made public in advance so you can study the issue prior to voting.

Sunday "consumption" of CMB passes

The City Council passed an Ordinance this evening that will allow the "consumption" of cereal malt beverages in certain establishments, on Sundays.

The law allows for Sunday sales of...
1. "on-premise" sale and consumption (carry out from retail sales at convenience or grocery stores is not allowed)
2. hours of sale are limited to Noon to 8p.m.
3. the business must have at least 30% of their revenue come from the sale of food

Primarily, those establishments affected by the Ordinance are restaurants that serve beer as part of their beverage menu. Other establishments may be allowed providing they meet the food sale requirement.

The law applies only to the sale of cereal malt beverage (3.2% alcohol or less). Alcoholic beverages are controlled by the State and by State Statutes.

Petition determined to be valid

A petition filed with the Wellington City Clerk requesting passage of an Ordinance pertaining to the sale of certain cold medicines in Wellington has been determined to be valid. The petition contained the required amount of signatures, and signatures were verified to be those of registered voters.

The City Council now has 20 days upon which to take action; pass an Ordinance that makes certain over-the-counter cold medicines prescription-only drugs, or put the issue to a vote of the citizens. If a referendum is chosen, it must be held within 90days, therefore a special election will be required. A special elections costs between $4,000-$5,000. Because of the petition, the Council cannot vote "against" the Ordinance; the Ordinance must be adopted, or the issue put up for vote.

Let me know your opinion on this important issue. Email me at bjtracy@sbcglobal.net.