Hunter
10/29/22
The City of Iowa City has filed a nuisance abatement order against the H-Bar, which has been the source of over 170 police calls for service this year.
35-year-old Waymond Thomas of Iowa City was fatally shot outside the business just before 2am on October 23rd, and there have been other incidents of violent activity. On August 7th, a woman suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the area, and police recovered a firearm from an individual barred from carrying guns during a June 19th fight. The City also noted in their release that there was a large fight in the area on April 10th.
Police have routinely increased patrols around H-Bar this year, often requiring officers to work in an overtime capacity. The City has also unsuccessfully sought to address ongoing public safety issues with the property owners.
The owners told KCRG TV earlier this week that most of the police calls come from them. They have metal detectors and pat down patrons before they enter, but they cannot regulate what goes on in their parking lot and in the alley near the business.
Friday, the city filed paperwork in Johnson County District Court seeking a nuisance abatement order. The nuisance abatement filing requests the Court to require the H-Bar to be closed between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily. The business’ website currently lists their hours as open only Friday and Saturday between 10pm and 4am.
A hearing on the matter will be scheduled on a later date.