The City of Iowa City is recommending Iowa City City Council rescind the suspension of Fieldhouse Bar and Grill’s alcohol license, according to a Feb. 4 news release.
According to the release, “during a review of an unrelated matter,” city staff found the ordinance used as the basis of Fieldhouse’s suspension no longer exists. The ordinance, section 4-2-2(B) of the Iowa City Code was deleted from the municipal code in 2015 after the creation of a new ordinance allowing for rooftop service areas in Iowa City.
“We can continue moving forward and running a successful business in downtown Iowa City,” Fieldhouse owner Tracy Barkalow said.
According to the news release, there was a codification error, or an error in arranging and laying out the code, with the deleted section 4-2-2(B) continuing to appear in the city code.
The city confirmed the deletion of the section is current law, leading to their recommendation to rescind the suspension of Fieldhouse’s license.
Following the IC City Council suspending Fieldhouse’s liquor license on Jan. 20, Fieldhouse appealed the decision to Iowa’s Department of Revenue. The appeal places the liquor license suspension on hold until a decision is made, meaning Fieldhouse has not seen an impact in alcohol sales and is actively operating.
Barkalow said the suspension did create confusion regarding his business, saying the community wasn’t sure if his business would remain open and serve alcohol in the weeks following the suspension.
“I think at the beginning foot traffic was down, but we started posting on social media letting people know that we were open and serving alcohol, and that helped,” he said.
According to an Instagram post, Fieldhouse implemented new hours Monday, now open starting at 3 p.m.
In a statement provided to The Daily Iowan by Barkalow, Fieldhouse intends to remain focused on providing a great experience to customers and being a positive part of the Iowa City community.
The council will discuss renewing Fieldhouse’s license at its next meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 17.