Iowa City bar battle brews as vote approaches

The Associated Press

IOWA CITY (AP) – A measure that would raise the age to get into an Iowa City bar to 21 would curb underage drinking, supporters say. Opponents say the measure, which is on the Nov. 6 ballot, would shift drinking to house parties, which they argue can be more dangerous. The City Council voted to place the measure on the ballot after the group, the Committee for Healthy Choices, submitted a petition signed by 3,576 people opposed to the current ordinance, which allows 19- and 20-year-old into bars. The proposed ordinance would restrict younger customers from entering bars after 10 p.m. The debate, which has pitted bar owners and underage drinkers against others in the community, could be determined by how many of the University of Iowa’s 30,000 students show up to vote.