HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Resolution approving suspension of enforcement of Municipal Code Section 17.16 related to minors on premises for 515 DayRESOLUTION NO. 26-088
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUSPENSION OF ENFORCEMENT
OF MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 17.16 FOR 515 DAY
FOR THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA
WHEREAS, Ames Main Street (AMS) plans to host “515 Day” on Friday, May 15,
2026. This event was implemented by Ames Main Street in 2021 with the intention of
celebrating area code 515 through a variety of activities each day, such as 515 -themed
specials in businesses and giveaways to attract individuals to Downtown Ames; and,
WHEREAS, the activities on May 15 include a beer garden, live music on Douglas
Avenue, and a family activity zone on Douglas Avenue. The events are free to attend.
Organizers expect up to 1,000 people to participate in the activities ; and,
WHEREAS, event organizers have requested suspension of Municipal Code 17.16
to allow for event attendees to carry their beverages throughout the event space as the
premises for the event and not be required to fence a separate beer garden area. This
would allow attendees of all ages to move freely throughout the event area ; and,
WHEREAS, the City has had a long history of requiring alcohol consumption for
special events to occur in a designated area without intermingling of legal age adults and
minors; and,
WHEREAS, staff discussed these issues with Ames Main Street and has
developed a list of the specific circumstances for the proposed event that the City Council
could consider to justify allowing a suspension of Section 17.16 in this instance. The
circumstances related to this event that may justify the requested suspension of
enforcement of Section 17.16 include:
1. The event includes entertainment and activities that are the focus of the event
(alcohol consumption is incidental to the event).
2. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be offered in a meaningful variety. No
distilled spirits are involved.
3. The event is non-ticketed, intended to be family-friendly, and includes promotional
materials that suggest it as a family event.
4. It is organized by a locally established entity, with a track record of hosting events
successfully and with an interest in continuing to do so.
5. The event will conclude by 8:00 p.m., placing the event entirely during daylight
hours.
6. The event area is in a portion of the Downtown that does not contain a significant
number of other alcohol-licensed establishments, minimizing the need to manage
the area between licensed premises to ensure alcohol does not travel from one
premises to another; and,
WHEREAS, organizers will send email notifications to Downtown businesses in
the event area. Additionally, Ames Main Street staff will canvas the area to visit with the
businesses in person, explaining the event location and handing out informational
posters; and,
WHEREAS, Ames Main Street is a well-established local entity that has
successfully hosted many events with alcohol components in Downtown. With future
event approvals subject to City staff review, the organization has considerable incentive
to ensure a safe, well-run event. Additionally, City staff will document any issues or
concerns observed and refer to it for any future requests from the organization. Staff
believes that the factors listed in the report above make a case to support a waiver of
enforcement of Section 17.16 of Municipal Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames,
Iowa, that suspension of enforcement to Municipal Code Section 17.16 related to minors
on premises for 515 Day on Friday, May 15, 2026, is hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 24th day of February, 2026.
_______________________________ _________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
Introduced by: Corrieri
Seconded by: Betcher
Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Junck, Gartin, Rollins
Voting nay: None Absent: None
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 24th day of February, 2026.