Iowa City bans those under 21 from bars

A 6-1 vote Tuesday by the Iowa City City Council made it city code that all bar patrons must be 21 years of age after 10 p.m.

This decision comes almost two and a half years after a public vote was held on the same issue. In the previous instance, Iowa City residents defeated the proposition in the polls.

The same may be possible in Tuesday's decision. A process stands in place to take rulings and put them to public vote. In order to do so, a petition of 2,500 signatures must be created for the issue to be taken up in the November elections.

In Cedar Falls, questions have arisen as to whether such an ordinance has been considered here.

Mayor Jon Crews, who is serving his 13th term in the position, reassures that such a measure isn‘t going to be hitting Cedar Falls bars any time soon.

"There has been talk in the past," Crews said. "We in Cedar Falls don't see that as being needed at this time."

According to Crews, there is no imminent plan to enact an ordinance. He believes there are possible ways to get around an issue like an age restriction, such as an increase in house parties.

Iowa City's ordinance has caused debate on the University of Northern Iowa campus.

Courtney Said, a 20-yearold sophomore sociology and anthropology double major, stands firmly opposed to the enactment a similar ordinance in Cedar Falls.

"I'm against a 21 bar ordinance because it would be really bad for businesses around Cedar Falls, especially on the (College) Hill," said Said. "I feel it is kind of offensive to people who are under 21. It makes it seem like they can't control their actions. People are perfectly capable of going to the clubs and having a good time without drinking."

Al Hiland, a 21-year-old junior political communication major, wouldn‘t personally be affected by a hypothetical ordinance, but he is wary of enacting one.

"It's probably a bad idea for local businesses," Hiland said. "I also think it could cause an increase in alcohol-related problems people have. People (would be) … getting drunk away from a place where there are at least some sober people who are conscious. It'd also create a healthy black market for fake (IDs)."

Amanda Erickson,  an 18-year-old undecided major, currently works at Mojo's Pizza House as a cocktail waitress and has been employed since September.

"I would say quite a few of the students that come in on weekends are underage," Erickson said. "Mojo's tends to get a lot of minors because of the size of the dance floor and being right on the (College) Hill.

"I think overall (a 21 and over bar ordinance) would have a negative effect (on Mojo‘s), because a lot of business does come from cover paid by minors, even if they aren't spending money on alcohol," continued Erickson.

Erickson won't turn 21 until after she graduates. She opposes an ordinance that would not only shut her out of bars around Cedar Falls, but her own place of employment.

The Iowa City 21 bar ordinance takes effect June 1.