The Alpena City Council has waived the fee for one group to hold peaceful protests at Culligan Plaza.

Alpena Families Against Drugs has been primarily protesting local businesses that sell synthetic marijuana and bath salts.

The group is currently applying for non-profit status but until then can be picked up as a sub-group by the Partners in Prevention organization.

Alpena Families Against Drugs wants to educate parents and children about the dangers of synthetic drugs.  At least some members of the newly formed group are parents of drug abusers themselves.

City council Monday night, agreed to let the group use Culligan Plaza at least once a week as long as the plaza is not committed to another group or event.  Council also waived the standard $50 fee if the group receives its designation as a non-profit.

Councilman Mike Nunneley applauded the group and said it was a “cheap investment” for the city to have such a group campaign against something so important.