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MEMO
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Renee Hall, City Clerk
Date: August 27, 2026
Subject: Packet of Communications to Council
Listed below are the communications to the City Council known to staff as of August 27,
2026:
1. Steve Schainker, City Manager – August 27, 2026
RE: Request from Ames Chamber of Commerce for Sip & Stroll Ordinance
Smart Choice
515.239.5101 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave.
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
City Manager’s Office
MEMO
To: Mayor and Ames City Council Members
From: Steven L. Schainker, City Manager
Date: August 27, 2026
Subject: Request For A “Sip and Stroll” Ordinance
The City staff has been assisting a Chamber of Commerce subcommittee
with the implementation of the Downtown Ames Guiding Vision. As you
will recall, this vision was presented at a previous Council meeting which
highlighted the “bricks and mortar” projects along new programs that are
reflected in their vision.
One new program that the implementation committee is
recommending is known as Sip and Stroll . As of July 1, 2026, a new
Iowa law allows cities to establish designated "social districts" or
entertainment zones where people can legally carry and consume
alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and liquor, in public spaces
like streets and sidewalks during specific dates and times.
The new law requires a defined boundary as well as designated dates and
hours of operation for the district. The details of the boundary are set by a
local ordinance that must be adopted by the City Council. Once the
ordinance is adopted, the Council must then pass a resolution to activate
the social district for designated dates and times.
The new law provides guidance for all entities located within the social
district, with specific rules for businesses that are authorized and licensed
to sell alcohol. In addition, people are not allowed to bring their own
alcoholic beverages in from outside the district.
The law only applies to public areas within the defined boundary, such as
sidewalks, streets and public parking lots. Businesses and private
properties located within the social district may prohibit the use of alcohol
on private grounds, such as a business-owned parking lot, or inside the
business.
Businesses that are licensed to sell alcohol may choose not to participate
as a vendor within the social district and continue to serve alcoholic
beverages in accordance with state laws. Alcoholic beverages from non-
participating vendors will not be allowed in the broader social district area
and must remain within the confines of the establishment. Bars,
restaurants and drinking establishments within the social district must be
licensed to sell alcohol and be named in the resolution as a participating
vendor for the designated dates and times that the social district is
activated.
The State of Iowa has labeling requirements for the cups or containers in
which alcohol is served. Alcohol must be consumed from an approved,
non-glass container that identifies the business where it was purchased.
Items such as a koozie with the business name on it does not meet the
state’s requirement.
At the meeting of the subcommittee this morning, staff was asked if
it would be possible for the City Council to enact an ordinance that
would allow Sip and Stoll in the Main Street District in advance of
their major event on October 8th. I promised that I would pass along
their request in the hope that you would place this topic on your
September 8th Council agenda for consideration of an ordinance
approving this program.
For your information, I am attaching a copy of the City of Algona’s
ordinance approving this new program.