Lower fines for Iowa City’s 21-only law on the way

IOWA CITY – The fine on people younger than 21 caught in Iowa City bars after 10 p.m. likely will be lowered, at least for first-time violators.

The City Council voted 4-3 Tuesday night to decrease the fine from $500 for all offenses to $300 for an initial offense, $500 on the second offense and $625 on all subsequent violations.

Two more votes are needed for the change to take effect, and then the tiered approach would start July 1.

Mayor Matt Hayek and council members Susan Mims and Mike Wright cast the “no” votes.

“I believe it's premature to make changes related to 21,” said Hayek, the only person to speak on the matter.

The law went into effect last June and makes it illegal for people younger than 21 to be in a bar after 10 p.m.

University of Iowa Student Government leaders had argued the current $500 fine is a financial burden on young people.

Currently, a violation ends up costing $735 with a surcharge and court costs included. A first offense under the new fine structure would total $465 with the additional fees, City Attorney Eleanor Dilkes said.