City officials say they have become increasingly accommodating toward venues that serve alcohol in recent years, and one ordinance before the Iowa City City Council, they believe, further exemplifies their commitment to helping these businesses.

City councilors approved the first consideration of an ordinance on Tuesday modifying the calculation of ticket sales in venues with traditional theater seating. They approved the first consideration on a 7-0 vote.

The amendment came after the owners of FilmScene, a nonprofit film organization coming to Iowa City this fall, approached city officials about the issue.

The ordinance provides that “ticket sales at a movie theater will not be considered an alcohol sale so long as the patrons are seated in ‘traditional theater seating.’ ”

An ordinance requires three readings. Councilors will vote on the second consideration of the ordinance at their next meeting, Aug. 6.