Washington Terrace council adopts ordinance updating retail alcohol and tobacco advertising rules

The council adopted Ordinance 25-5, which repeals and reenacts section 5.05.0.010 of the Washington Terrace Municipal Code to regulate the retail sale and advertising of alcohol and tobacco products. Councilmember Thomas brought the ordinance forward after discussion in a prior work session; staff said the update is intended to align city rules with state law and provide code-enforcement personnel with clearer authority to regulate signage and advertising while balancing enforcement capacity.

Councilmember Cheryl asked that affected businesses be notified and reminded the body many local businesses are likely already aware of the state requirements; staff said code-enforcement will communicate parameters to businesses and give them an opportunity to comply proactively before enforcement calculations are applied. A typographical error in Section 3.B.2 was pointed out and staff agreed to correct it.

The council moved and seconded adoption of the ordinance and approved it by unanimous roll call. Staff emphasized the ordinance is written to remain consistent with state law so future state changes will be reflected without repeated local amendments.

Why it matters: The ordinance changes how the city approaches regulation of storefront advertising for alcohol and tobacco, providing the code-enforcement office specific duties and an expectation that businesses will be notified and given time to comply.

What happens next: Staff will notify affected businesses, correct the typographical error the council identified, and implement enforcement consistent with enforcement capacity and state alignment.