Council tables update to drug and tobacco paraphernalia ordinance for language additions
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Summary
Councilwoman Bowen pulled and the council tabled an update to city code on tobacco and drug paraphernalia to Jan. 2, 2025, so staff can add a primary-use registry and avoid enumerating product brands as devices evolve.
The Terre Haute City Council on Dec. 5 agreed to table General Ordinance 16-20-24, which would update city code related to tobacco and drug paraphernalia establishments, until the council’s Jan. 2, 2025 meeting.
Councilwoman Bowen asked for the delay after noting one missing section: a registry of establishments whose primary use is selling vapes and paraphernalia. Bowen said she prefers flexible, general definitions rather than a long list of specific brand names or device types that could quickly become outdated. Council members asked whether substances such as delta-8 fall under city jurisdiction; the mayor and Bowen said state-level guidance and the county prosecutor’s guidance apply in some cases.
Councilman Nation moved to take action and then to table the ordinance to the Jan. 2 meeting so staff can supply corrected language; the motion passed by voice vote. The council requested the revised ordinance language be provided in advance of the January meeting to allow adequate review.
The council did not adopt new enforcement provisions at the Dec. 5 meeting; instead it left drafting choices (including the expected registry approach and enforcement mechanics) to staff and legal counsel for return to the council on Jan. 2.