The Normal City Council approved with a 7-0 vote an emergency declaration ordinance to allow the town’s administration to respond faster to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The council also voted 7-0 to remove section 25.2-12 of the town’s municipal code in this case that allows the mayor to set a curfew and other prohibitions, which included potential orders to discontinue selling or distributing gasoline and suspending the sales of ammunition and alcohol.

Per SEC. 25.2-12 LOCAL DISASTER EMERGENCY AND CIVIL EMERGENCY: After proclamation of a local disaster or civil emergency by the Mayor, he may order a general curfew applicable to such geographical areas of the Town or to the Town as a whole, as he deems advisable, and applicable during such hours of the day or night as he deems necessary in the interest of the public safety and welfare. Other Prohibitions. After the proclamation of local disaster or civil emergency, the Mayor of the Town of Normal may also, in the interest of public safety and welfare, make any or all of the following orders: Order the discontinuance of selling, distributing or giving away gasoline or other liquid flammable or combustible products in any container other than a gasoline tank properly affixed to a motor vehicle; Order the discontinuance of selling, distributing, dispensing or giving away of any firearms or ammunition of any character whatsoever; Issue such other orders as are immediately necessary for the protection of life and property; Prohibiting the selling at retail of alcoholic liquor.

That decision was made after town councilors heard much public outcry regarding that section prior to the meeting.