FESTUS OFFICIALS VOTE TO PUT EPHEDRINE BEHIND COUNTER

Merchants selling products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedine in Festus
would be required to keep such items behind the counter and out of reach as
a result of a bill approved by the city council.

The measure was approved at the urging of Police Chief Tim Lewis, who said
that the legislation would cut down on the shoplifting of these substances,
one of the ingredients from which the illegal drug methamphetamine is made.

Lewis said customers would be able to buy the medicines containing these
drugs, usually used to treat colds and sinus infections, but would have to
ask for them. He said that step would cut down on their illegal use.

In other business, the council:

Gave preliminary approval to a bill authorizing the hotel and motel tax for
tourism. The 2 percent fee is to be charged on room rentals and is to
become effective in April. It was permitted by a state statute enacted last
year. Officials will send letters regarding the new tax to all hotels and
motels in Festus. The tax was approved by voters last year.

Voted to ban solicitation of money on the streets during the months of
December, January and February in addition to November. Such activities are
known as roadblocks and involve volunteers standing in the streets to ask
for donations.