Hunter
04/11/20
Cedar Rapids mayor Brad Hart has a message for bars and restaurants who are trying to circumvent directives to close their businesses other than for carryout; your liquor license might not be renewed when it comes up.
During a press briefing this week, the mayor said that although the vast majority of bars and restaurants have been complying, police have had to intervene in a few cases where violations were occurring. Most involve customers purchasing to-go drinks, which are allowed, and then congregating on site to consume them, which is not allowed.
The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that the city council usually renews liquor licenses in groups with one comprehensive vote, but Mayor Hart said that if violations are brought to their attention, “..that will play a really important role in my decision whether or not to support that renewal, so please continue to do the right thing.” He added that violations are not only dangerous, but unfair to the other establishments who are doing the right thing.
Police Chief Wayne Jerman says his department has conducted over 800 compliance checks since the emergency declaration was issued last month. Instances where violations were observed were treated as teaching moments and no citations have been issued.
