Cedar Rapids Weather
Iowa 21-Only Debate Draws CrowdBy Mark Geary, Reporter
IOWA CITY — A city ordinance, passed in June, bans anyone under 21 from being in bars after 10 p.m. In about three weeks, voters will have the chance to overturn that law or keep it in place.
Monday evening, about 60 people gathered at the Iowa City Public Library to listen to people debate the ordinance. The crowd could not ask questions, but everyone listened intently as both sides argued. Since the city started banning people under 21 from bars after 10 p.m., police say they’ve noticed a change. “Our crime is way down in the downtown area. Assaults on men, sexual assaults on women, all of the criminal mischief charges,” Iowa City Police Chief Sam Hargadine said. But people against the 21-only ordinance say downtown entertainment is dying and bars are suffering. Many bars depended on cover charges paid by underage patrons. Plus, they argue this whole controversy has done nothing but cause trouble. “There has been such negativity put out about our downtown. It’s just been vilified. When you have that happen, people quit coming downtown,” Iowa City Bar Owner Leah Cohen said. Those in favor of keeping the ordinance on the books have little sympathy for struggling bar owners.They say those safety statistics are more important than dollars and cents. “We believe we have a vibrant and prosperous downtown economy that’s not fully dependent on four hours of illegal activity every evening,” Nick Westergaard, a supporter of the 21 ordinance, said. On the flipside, bars are open to the public and lots of people are around to monitor excessive drinking and call for help. “Downtown, you had people that were encouraged to call an ambulance when any situation would occur. They were legally required to do so,” Matt Pfaltzgraf, a student who has helped lead the effort to overturn the 21 ordinance, said. Both sides can present pages of documents and data to support their claims, but ultimately voters must decide which side will earn their vote. More Good Stuff |
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