SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane City Council passed two ordinances on Monday night restricting the sale of alcohol containers and drug paraphernalia downtown.
The first ordinance establishes an Alcohol Impact Area and bans the sale of personal alcohol containers like shot bottles and tallboys after midnight.
The second ordinance establishes a Community Health Impact Area and bans the sale of pipes, foil and other drug paraphernalia, unless the store also provides Narcan for free.
Both ordinances passed 6-0.
Reactions to the ordinances have been mixed, with those in favor saying they will help contribute to a healthier and safer downtown. Those against the ordinances say they will put extra burden on convenience stores while only being a band-aid fix.
For the first six months, both ordinances will be voluntary for local businesses to participate in. After the six-month period, the city will present its findings to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
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