A local club is going against the city of Ames in a suit related to alcohol violations incurred over the past two years.

The Boheme Bistro, 2900 West St., faced opposition when renewing its liquor license in 2000 due to 14 alcohol violations that year, but was provided with a temporary six-month liquor license.

In August 2001, owner Pete Sherman was arrested for serving after hours and serving minors.

Sherman, associate professor of aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics and statistics, said the criminal charges were dropped because of a lack of evidence, but Saturday he was served with a civil suit by the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Commission.

“About one year ago, on `Motown Monday,’ a couple employees were cited for drinking underage after hours,” said Dan Sherman, manager and Pete Sherman’s son.

“Pete was taken down to the police department and charged with serving to minors. We could get fined a lot of money or our liquor license could get taken away.”

Pete Sherman said the after-hours violations occurred last August. The two underage patrons were 19 and 20 years old.

Dan Sherman said if the Boheme’s liquor license is revoked, the club will close.

John Klaus, Ames city attorney, said after violations, the city attorney’s office files a complaint and a hearing is set. The facts and evidence are presented to a hearing officer and determination is made.

“The Boheme has few violations in comparison to other bars in Ames,” Dan Sherman said. “It feels like we’re being discriminated against.”

Pete Sherman organized an open forum to allow his customers to speak about the issues at hand Monday night.

“We want to figure out what can be done,” Pete Sherman said. “I’m an idealist – I’m not going to admit to something I didn’t do just to take the cheap way out.”

Pete Sherman said his customers have given him several possible reasons why the Boheme experiences this perceived biased treatment – the club allows all ages, there have been allegations of drug use, or a racial or cultural discrimination.

“If it is a drug thing, I’m clueless,” Pete Sherman said. “The city is not discussing the situation with me and elements in the city may say there is no bias – my opinions about the city are exactly those – my opinions.”

If the city wanted Pete Sherman to put an age limit on the club, he said he’s flexible.

Pete Sherman said the club has faced financial difficulties because of what he considers “frivolous lawsuits,” and the charges continue to cost him his reputation. Pete Sherman said he has invested “many thousands of dollars and over 60 hours of time” fighting the city.

The Boheme is all about love, Pete Sherman said.

“We do a lot of things to promote diversity of all types. We want to make customers aware of what is going on,” Pete Sherman said.

“To a point, I can’t continue in this way, we’re trying to be a positive force in this city,” Pete Sherman said. “We’re not closing, but this situation could cause strong motivation for closing.”