Council discusses local rules for consumable hemp retail and a possible data-center moratorium

City staff provided two informational policy briefings. First, Mr. Merrell reviewed Code of Alabama Title 28, Chapter 12 and explained the city's role in approving applications to the ABC Board for consumable hemp products (non-smokeable items such as beverages, gummies, and creams). He outlined license categories (retail grocery, pharmacy, and specialty retailers, including package stores and stand-alone hemp stores), zoning implications for stand-alone stores, and tax-sharing implications when a city allows retail sales. Staff noted Homewood currently has no active approvals and that the council can decide to allow none, some, or all license categories and adjust zoning accordingly.

Second, Councilor Sims raised resident concerns about data centers and requested the city consider a temporary moratorium on new data-center applications while the city's comprehensive zoning update (expected within 12 months) proceeds. Staff described a moratorium as a pause on accepting or processing applications for a defined period and said a structured moratorium ordinance will be presented to council in about two weeks for consideration.

Both items were informational; councilors asked clarifying questions and directed staff to return with proposed language where appropriate.