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Council adopts ordinance banning on‑premise consumption of consumable hemp products
Summary
Blue Ridge City Council adopted ordinance BR2026-14 to clarify city code and prohibit on-premise consumption of consumable hemp products after staff said the current code was silent and the change was intended to provide clarity for establishments that sell alcohol by the drink.
Blue Ridge City Council adopted ordinance BR2026-14 on a voice vote, clarifying city code to prohibit on‑premise consumption of consumable hemp products at establishments that sell alcohol by the drink. The council opened a public hearing for the second reading of the ordinance and invited public comment before considering the adoption motion.
Chad, a staff member who explained the ordinance during the hearing, said the change was prompted by inquiries about whether establishments that sell alcoholic drinks could also serve hemp beverages by the drink: "Our ordinance was silent, frankly, as to that question... we as a city don't allow on premises consumption of consumable hemp products." A representative of the Blue Ridge Business Association said local businesses had asked why the change was happening and sought clarification. After brief council discussion noting enforcement challenges for THC testing, a motion to adopt BR2026-14 was moved and seconded and carried.
