Motion for preliminary injunction; consolidation of trial with hearing on motion; other equitable relief.

(a) Upon a filing of a motion for a preliminary injunction to abate the drug-related nuisance, the plaintiff shall be entitled to a hearing on the motion within 10 business days of the filing. If it appears by affidavit or otherwise, that there is a substantial likelihood that the plaintiff will be able to prove a drug-related nuisance by a preponderance of evidence, the circuit court may issue a preliminary injunction and grant other relief as the court may deem to be appropriate, including those remedies provided by Section 6-5-156.3.

(b) When appropriate, the court shall order the trial of the action on the merits to be advanced and consolidated with the hearing on the motion for a preliminary injunction.

(c) This section shall not be construed to prohibit the application for or the granting of a temporary restraining order or other equitable relief provided by law.

(Acts 1996, No. 96-566, p. 849, §6.)