Establishments that serve alcohol might soon be able to hire 16 and 17-year-olds after the City Council placed updates to two sections of the city’s alcohol code on file for public inspection.

This change comes about after Mayor Brandon Combs said numerous restaurants approached him saying they couldn’t hire people who fit in these age categories for jobs that don’t involve alcohol.

The other code change placed on file relates to the use of fake IDs. The law currently is “basic,” according to Combs.

The council also approved the renewal of the mosquito abatement program with the Coles County Health Department.

The five-year agreement will cost the city $11,000 annually with the program administered by the health department.

The council also:

• Took action on expanding the city’s code regarding the sale of tobacco to minors to include electronic cigarettes and alternative nicotine products. This has also been placed on file for public inspection.
• Approved the no parking ban on the east side of Second Street from Taylor to Polk Avenue.
• Approved a raffle license for the VFW Post 1592 Men’s Auxiliary monthly drawings from July through December to raise funds for various charitable functions.