Explanation
Free publications are not only agents of information exchange and alternative points of view, they are also a major economic engine to the local economy.
At least two dozen publishing companies in the Columbus metro area are involved in production of free publications, ranging from those with less than five (5) employees to those that employ dozens, generating hundreds of jobs for journalists, sales people, graphic designers, photographers, writers, interns, delivery drivers, and others.
Free publication refers to the fact that readers do not pay for copies of the product, but there is a cost associated with the large numbers that are produced and distributed each month in the City of Columbus. This money comes from advertisers, who spend considerable amounts of dollars annually to promote products, services, and events.
When free publications are stolen for varitey of reasons, it causes an economic impact to our community, as well as diluting the voice provided by free print publications.
This legislation acts to clarify the Columbus City Code to specifically address the theft of free print publications. By making theft of free print publications illegal, police and prosecutors will have the necessary laws in place when they are called regarding these thefts. Existing provisions within the Columbus City Code already address cases involving the theft of paid publications.
Title
To amend Chapter 2313 of Columbus City Codes,1959, by enacting new Section 2313.021, which addresses the unauthorized removal of free print publications from distribution locations.
Body
WHEREAS, free publications are not only agents of information exchange and alternative points of view, they are also a major economic engine to the local economy ; and,
WHEREAS, free publications have significant economic and cultural value not reflected in the price consumers pay; and,
WHEREAS, it is necessary to prohibit the theft of free print pu...
Click here for full text