Council delays decision on liquor-store signage for hemp-derived THC advocacy; agrees to neutral in-store information

Council members debated a proposed resolution that would have permitted city liquor-store staff to post advocacy material on social media and display signage related to an upcoming November vote on hemp-derived THC products.

Keith (agenda presenter) asked council for permission to post a Facebook notice and signage directing customers where to make their voices heard about the draft THC ban. Several council members expressed concern about city staff participating in advocacy or using city social channels for political positions. The mayor suggested neutral signage at the point of sale that informs customers the law could change and provides a QR code for more information rather than a city-led advocacy post.

“I think that's a good way to do it so you're not necessarily pushing that on to people at our city liquor store,” the mayor said, recommending neutral informational signage instead of social-media advocacy. Councilmember comments reflected similar caution: one member said staff should avoid advocacy on the city Facebook page and suggested the sign by the THC product that reads, in effect, that the market may change and includes a QR code for information.

Staff (Miss Wood) said she would prepare a redline of the resolution removing permission for Facebook advocacy and the clause allowing staff to show support while working, and bring the revised language back to council. A motion to postpone final action until the next council meeting passed 4-0.

The council’s immediate direction: allow neutral in-store informational signage near THC products, and delay making a final policy decision until members can review a redlined resolution and consider any additional approaches to public information and city advocacy.