Iowa City to reduce fine on first-time offenders of 21-only bar law

IOWA CITY – The City Council Tuesday night gave the final approval needed to reduce the fine on first-time offenders of the 21-only bar law.

The council's 4-3 vote lowers the fine from $500 for all offenses to $300 for an initial offense, $500 on the second offense and $625 on all subsequent violations. Mayor Matt Hayek and council members Susan Mims and Mike Wright cast the dissenting votes.

With a surcharge and courts costs included, people under the age of 21 found in a bar after 10 p.m. currently pay $735, which some people have said is too high. A first offense under the new fine structure would total $465.

The change will take effect July 1.

The 21-only law bans people younger than 21 from being in Iowa City bars after 10 p.m.