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Chief proposes ordinance to ban certain synthetic/intoxicating products; staff recommends Sept. 1 effective date
Summary
The chief of police presented a draft ordinance to prohibit sale and distribution of various synthetic/intoxicating products (including kratom‑related items and some THC products), recommended a September 1 effective date to allow business education, and described enforcement options; no council vote was recorded.
The Committee of the Whole heard a proposal from the chief of police to adopt a city ordinance banning the sale and distribution of certain synthetic and intoxicating products in Braidwood.
The chief told the council the ordinance language was drafted by Attorney Brian Wallner and combines elements from similar ordinances in nearby communities. He said federal and state regulatory activity — including a reported DEA scheduling action and upcoming Illinois regulation of hemp‑infused products under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (effective November 12, as presented) — has spurred the proposal but that local measures are still useful because manufacturers frequently modify chemical formulations to skirt restrictions.
The chief described examples and delivery forms in circulation — vapes, gummies, tablets, liquids and energy‑drink infusions — and said some products are marketed to youth. He recommended an effective date of Sept. 1 to give staff time to educate business owners and allow voluntary compliance before enforcement. The draft ordinance as presented would authorize fines the chief cited in discussion as ranging from $2.50 to $7.50 per offense; staff said those fines would scale based on repeat violations or volume on the shelf.
Council members and staff discussed enforcement and technical coverage: staff said the ordinance includes language aimed at covering analogs and derivatives of targeted compounds so manufacturers cannot avoid enforcement by changing a single chemical. A commissioner asked whether the draft covers products described colloquially (gas‑station kratom) and the chief confirmed those products are included.
No formal council vote on the ordinance was recorded in the transcript. Staff said they would conduct outreach to business owners and return with the ordinance for further consideration.
