HomeMy WebLinkAboutunder 21 FAQThe City Council of Iowa City has acknowledged that underage drinking has a significant
and negative impact on the health, safety and welfare of its citizens. The number of
charges for Possession of Alcohol Under the Legal Age (PAULA) indicates that a large
number of persons under legal age are accessing alcohol in establishments whose primary
purpose, particularly after 10:00 PM, is the sale of alcoholic beverages. Given this
information the City Council has adopted an ordinance prohibiting persons under “legal
age” (currently 21 years of age) to enter establishments between the hours of 10:00 PM
and closing.
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 bright color 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.
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. The ordinance states that you must be a parent, guardian, spouse or domestic
partner of the person who is under 21.
s/under 21 Q.doc