Antioch considers allowing THC‑infused beverages for 21+ customers under a new license class; board asks legal for drafts

The board discussed proposed changes to the village code to permit mass‑produced THC‑infused beverages for sale to customers 21 and older, subject to licensing and insurance requirements.

Staff and the village attorney presented a draft ordinance that would narrow the village's prior broader prohibition by allowing beverage forms of THC if sold only by licensed retailers that meet ID‑check, insurance and labeling requirements. The proposal contemplates either using existing liquor licenses (with a new endorsement) or creating a specific class of license to ensure proper training, age verification and compliance checks.

Trustees generally favored moving to a 21+ licensing model rather than an outright ban, but they asked legal staff to provide a clear written opinion on authority to regulate these products, to draft the concurrent liquor‑code language and to identify an implementation timeline and insurance requirements. Trustees noted they wanted a delayed implementation window if the licensing details would take months to create so retailers would not be left uncertain.

Mr. Gachau (village staff) and the village attorney emphasized the licensing concept is intended to provide consistency, create enforcement points and require proof of age and product labeling similar to cannabis retail rules, while limiting sale in establishments not prepared to comply. The board asked staff to return with draft ordinance language that includes the proposed licensing pathway and any recommended protections for public safety and signage.