Ames Re-examining 'Restaurant' Exemption for Bars

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jul 31, 2010 at 9:13 AM CST

Story Updated: Jul 31, 2010 at 9:13 AM CST

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Ames is considering another look at its ordinance that allows patrons of any age to get into bars if at least half the revenue comes from food.

The move follows the death of a 19-year-old Iowa State University student, who was hit by a train following a night of drinking in April.

Cmdr. Mike Brennan says police don't want to hurt a place's food businesses. But he says some Ames-area establishments operate as restaurants much of the time, then effectively turn into bars past certain hours at night. He says that's legal, but it makes enforcement harder.

Brennan says police are consulting with the city attorney's office about possibly revising the city code. But he wishes Ames businesses could begin policing themselves voluntarily.

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