Cape City Council to discuss banning people holding signs on curbsides

Businesses could be banned from using people hired to hold signs from curbsides that draw potential customers if a new ordinance is passed by the Cape Girardeau City Council.

The ordinance, which amends Section 15-16 of the city code, prohibits "selling or soliciting on public streets, rights-of-way, intersections, medians or sidewalks."

Cape Girardeau City Manager Douglas K. Leslie said the proposed ordinance applies only to commercial businesses who advertise using this method on public property. Other businesses, such as not-for-profit organizations, still will be granted an exemption from the ordinance.

The ordinance will be discussed at tonight's 7 p.m. city council meeting at city hall, 401 Independence St. If approved on tonight's first reading by the majority of council members, the next step will be a vote on the ordinance's approval at the June 16 meeting.