HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Resolution approving exception to Section 22.32(c)(2)(vi) to allow alcohol services in Sidewalk Cafe including Parklet at Sam's PlaceRESOLUTION NO. 26-311
RESOLUTION APPROVING EXCEPTION TO MUNICIPAL CODE
TO ALLOW ALCOHOL SERVICE IN SIDEWALK CAFÉ AND ADJACENT PARKLET
AT SAM'S PLACE, 125 MAIN STREET
FOR THE CITY OF AMES
WHEREAS, in 2017, the City Council adopted new regulations regarding Sidewalk
Cafés, and these regulations allow for alcohol service in certain circumstances; and,
WHEREAS, establishments that, under Section 17.16 of Municipal Code, may
allow minors on the premises are permitted to serve alcohol at their Sidewalk Cafés
without prior special approval; and,
WHEREAS, these applications are approved by staff as long as the applicant
obtains the appropriate Outdoor Service Privilege for its license; establishments that are
not allowed to have minors on the premises under Section 17.16 of Municipal Code must
request approval from the City Council to serve alcohol at their sidewalk cafés; and,
WHEREAS, Sam's Place, 125 Main Street, has submitted a request to implement
a Sidewalk Café and serve alcohol at it; and,
WHEREAS, this establishment has received City Council approval to operate a
sidewalk café with alcohol sales since the 2017 Sidewalk Café season; and,
WHEREAS, Sam's Place has a Class C Liquor License and, because a majority
of its sales come from selling alcoholic beverages, may not have minors on the premises;
and,
WHEREAS, the Sidewalk Café regulations call for the City Council to consider
requests from establishments in Della Viti’s situation on a case-by-case basis; and,
WHEREAS, the Municipal Code specifies that the City Council consider the
following factors when presented with a request: 1) site conditions; 2) compliance
history/staff training; and 3) other factors the City Council deems relevant; and,
WHEREAS, additional required restrictions that would apply to Sam's Place are:
• Patron ingress and egress shall be controlled and continually monitored by staff
• No alcoholic beverages may be sold or served later than 10 p.m.
• Patrons may not consume outside beverages on the premises
WHEREAS, upon staff review of the application materials, the application appears
complete and in order; and,
WHEREAS, Sam's Place has applied for Outdoor Service Privilege, which would
be valid through November 13, 2026; because holding the appropriate liquor control
license is a prerequisite to allow alcohol service at a Sidewalk Café, City Council approval
of Sam's Place request to serve alcohol must be made subject to maintaining an Outdoor
Service Privilege.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames,
Iowa, that the request from Sam's Place to allow alcohol service at its Sidewalk Café and
adjacent Parklet during the 2026 Sidewalk Café season is hereby approved, subject to
Sam's Place maintaining its Outdoor Service Privilege.
ADOPTED THIS 26th day of May, 2026.
_______________________________ _________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
Introduced by: Gartin
Seconded by: Junck
Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Junck, Gartin, Rollins
Voting nay: None Absent: Betcher
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 26th day of May, 2026.