On Tuesday, June 3, Longmont City Council voted to move an ordinance forward that would criminalize sitting, kneeling and lying down in the city’s commercial districts between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily and 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, including the 17th Avenue, 21st Avenue, Hover, Main Street, Downtown, Southwest and Ute Highway districts. Proponents argue these laws keep sidewalks clear for pedestrians and aid in public safety; critics contend they criminalize homelessness. State law prohibits smoking in indoor spaces, including smoke and vapor from cannabis products. This bill would have created a pathway for businesses to operate within city limits after council voted in February to authorize a total of four cannabis hospitality business licenses. Under current city regulations, businesses would still be allowed to operate with a license to use topical cannabis products.