By Adam B Sullivan
adam-sullivan@uiowa.edu
A majority of Iowa City City Councilors said they’re open to the possibility of excepting split-venue bars from the 21 ordinance. However, the policy’s requirements would likely be unattainable for most venues.
Details about that potential policy shift emerged at a City Council work session on Monday night. Establishments would be able to admit 19- and 20-year-olds, but those patrons would be confined to section of the bar without access to alcohol.
Specifically, city officials say the exception would likely require bars to separate alcohol and non-alcohol sections with a solid barrier like a wall. And both sides of the bar would need to meet building codes and have accessible exits.
“I’d be interested in exploring it but I don’t know if anyone would really be able to take advantage of it,” Councilor Mike Wright said, noting an ordinance would likely call for bathrooms in both sides of the venue.
Mayor Matt Hayek added, “A lot of places won’t have options within their geographic spaces to do this, but some may.”
The Mill and the J-Bar, for instance, might be candidates for split-venue status. The Mill is a large venue with already-existing walls and the J-Bar has multiple levels.
Councilor Ross Wilburn dissented from the majority of the council. He said the drinking age enforcement problems that existed prior to the implementation of the 21 ordinance would likely re-emerge in split venues.
“These are issues that are causing the problems that we have and establishments have been unable or unwilling to monitor or control,” Wilburn said. “If they cannot control whats existing, how would this enable them to do it, given the dynamics of the issue?”
