The Iowa City city councilors will vote on the second consideration of an ordinance that would lift space restrictions on drinking establishments in outlying areas of Iowa City.

The spacing rule currently in place restricts new drinking establishments in all of Iowa City from opening within 500 feet of existing such establishments. The councilors are now voting on an ordinance that would eliminate the spacing requirement for all other areas of the city other than the University Impact Area — which includes downtown — and the Riverfront Crossings District.

The City Council approved the first consideration of the ordinance on July 23 on a 6-1 vote, with Mayor Pro-Tem Susan Mims having the dissenting vote. An ordinance requires three readings.

The councilors will vote on the second consideration of the proposal during their Aug. 6 meeting.