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Foley council adopts interim moratorium on cannabis sales, 3-2
Summary
The Foley City Council voted 3-2 to adopt an interim moratorium on the sale, manufacture and distribution of cannabis in the city to give staff time to draft zoning and licensing rules aligned with state guidance; the pause runs to Jan. 1 unless lifted earlier.
City Attorney Ashley told the council the measure was intended to give the city time to add zoning and licensing rules before cannabis retail or manufacturing applications move forward. "The purpose of this moratorium would essentially be to put a pause on any applications that would come through the city of Foley to make sure that we have the appropriate licensing schemes… and appropriate zoning ordinances," Ashley said.
At a public hearing, resident Paul string of 351 Dewey Street asked how long the moratorium would last; staff responded that, under state statute, the maximum interim moratorium runs until Dec. 31 with effect into Jan. 1 unless the council lifts it earlier. "That would be till January 1," Paul string said.
Council members debated the need for a pause. Proponents said the moratorium will allow the city to adopt reasonable time, place and manner restrictions and to coordinate with Benton County and the state Office of Cannabis Management on model ordinances. Opponents argued the state is already moving forward and that local restrictions should not unduly delay business activity.
After discussion, the council voted to adopt the interim moratorium (ordinance identifier as listed in the meeting packet: 462/482 in the transcript) by a 3-2 margin. The council also held a separate vote to approve summary publication in the local paper to comply with statutory notice requirements.
Next steps: staff said they will return with draft zoning language and recommendations in coming weeks and will coordinate with Benton County and the county licensing approach. The moratorium prevents new local applications for sale, manufacture or distribution from being accepted during the interim period.
