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HomeMy WebLinkAboutUnder 21 FAQ_2021The City Council of Iowa City has acknowledged that underage drinking has a significant and negative impact on the health, safety and welfare of residents and visitors. . As a result, the City Council has adopted an ordinance prohibiting persons under “legal age” (currently 21 years of age) from entering or remaining in establishments with alcohol permits between the hours of 10:00 PM and closing. See Section 4-5-8 of the City Code. UNDER 21 Q & A Q: Does the ordinance mean I can’t go into restaurants after 10:00 PM? A: Establishments serving alcohol may apply for an exception stating that 50% of their gross sales are from goods and services other than alcoholic beverages. If approved they are provided a brightly colored sign for the entrance(s) to their establishment. That sign means that an individual under 21 may be on the premises after 10:00 PM Q: If I am with friends in the establishment before 10:00 PM, do I have to leave or can I stay if my friends are over 21? A: You must leave the premises unless one of your friends is your parent, guardian, spouse or domestic partner (registered with the City). Q: I have an employee who is under 21. Do I need to adjust their work hours so they are not in my business after 10:00 PM? A: No. The ordinance allows employees who are under 21 to be in the establishment after 10:00 PM if they are scheduled to work those hours. Q: I have hired a band to perform in my establishment. Do the band members need to be 21? A: No. The ordinance allows for those who are performing a contracted service for that establishment to be under 21. Q: What is the penalty if I am under 21 and in a business that serves alcohol after 10:00 PM? A: 1st offenses are subject to a $300 fine, 2nd offenses carry a $500 fine, and 3rd and subsequent offenses carry a $625 fine. State surcharge and court costs are added to every fine. Q: Can I take my daughter and her friend, who are both under 21 to, to an establishment that serves alcohol after 10:00 PM? A: No, you cannot take your daughter’s friend. The ordinance states that you must be a parent, guardian, spouse or domestic partner (registered with the City) of the person who is under 21. (rev. 12/21)