Iowa City looks at split bars in light of 21-only

Iowa City will examine whether there's a way to let bars be split into alcohol-free and alcohol-allowed areas under the city's new 21-only law.

But city officials admit it will present logistical problems for bars, and the only bar owner to express interest in the idea so far said what the city has in mind may not work for his establishment.

“I'd be interested in exploring it, but I don't know if anyone would be able to take advantage of it,” City Council member Mike Wright said at a work session Monday night.

The council told staff to craft an ordinance for how bars could split their facilities. The discussion comes on the heels of the new city law that prevents people younger than 21 from being in bars at night. That matter will be up for a public vote Nov. 2

Current city law allows people younger than 21 to be inside a bar for an alcohol-free event approved by the police chief, but only if the entire venue is alcohol free.

To allow a portion of an establishment to sell alcohol, the ordinance would have to be amended. City staff say bars would have to be essentially split into two places, with each space meeting all building and housing codes.

City staff also say:

• The spaces should be separated by a solid structure, not curtains or even a bouncer,
• Each space would need a bathroom and two exits,
• The city would need to develop a mechanism to revoke a permit if a bar does not prevent underage patrons from entering the alcohol space or getting alcohol from someone there.

The Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., has asked the city about the split-facility idea. Owner Marty Christensen, who was not at the council meeting, said it would be difficult to provide separate bathrooms because of the Mill's layout and building another set would be too expensive.

Going completely alcohol free for some events would not make business sense, he said, because the Mill is essentially split with entertainment in the back and a bar up front, and alcohol sales up front usually out gross the back.

“The logistics don't allow for us to really do something that's going to satisfy the letter of the law in this case,” Christensen said.

The Mill, with a capacity of 325, is mostly known for its live music and food, not as a big party club. Christensen said part of the mission of the Mill is to serve the community by providing a venue for artists, a view he admits is idealistic.

Council members said they hoped entertainment options like live music could be protected.