The Ames City Council has proposed an ordinance that would prohibit certain types of specials bars can run. At first, the proposal to prohibit all-you-can-drink specials at bars appears to be a smack on the hands of bar owners and bar-goers. But the council’s proposal would actually take some pressures of liability off of business owners and bartenders.

If the ordinance is approved, bars will no longer be able to have certain types of specials, commonly referred to as liquor buffets or Ladies’ Nights, that allow patrons to pay a set fee and enjoy unlimited drinks throughout the night.

There has been an outcry against passing the ordinance, one that will likely be heard at the City Council’s meeting Tuesday. The argument against the council proposing such an ordinance is the potential harm it may cause business owners, but liquor buffets are not the only (or best) way to profit from running a bar.

There may be the fear of a dip in sales if Ladies’ Night is no more, but there will still be benefits. For instance, single-item specials are more cost effective than setting a single fee as a cover charge, as is the practice with all-you-can-drink specials. As well, bartenders will actually benefit from this change. Better tips are more likely when patrons are doling out cash for each drink, rather than paying one fee and tucking away wallets.

Bar owners are still permitted to run specials on drinks — including penny pitchers, progressive pitchers or across-the-board discounts. The council is only targeting the buffet specials. Prohibiting these specials will force drinkers to think more about their purchases and, in theory, promote a more responsible drinking environment.

The ordinance is not a fix-all. Some supporters say it will help do away with binge drinking. The ordinance would do away with one type of affordable binge drinking, but it is not realistic to say this will strike it from existence all together. Bar-goers can still get their hands on as many drinks as they please, and this says nothing of the possibilities in store for house parties, which, of course, will not be affected by the ordinance whatsoever. If the council wants to completely eliminate binge drinking, other laws will have to be considered — ones that deal specifically with parties.

Part of this is reminiscent of Ames’ smoking ordinance, which is being reviewed by the Iowa Supreme Court. Under that ordinance, many regulations regarding smoking in businesses — including bars and restaurants — were implemented. Eight restaurants owners are disputing the ordinance, claiming it violates state law.

A similar fate may be in store for this ordinance. Though it has lofty goals, it is a worthy effort nonetheless, and one with good intentions.

Editorial Board: Cavan Reagan, Amber Billings, Ayrel Clark, Charlie Weaver