Some Bar Owners Feel New Law Goes Too Far

City of Dubuque officials hope a new law allowing lawsuits to be filed against bars deemed public safety nuisances will help curb violent incidents in the community, but some local bar owners say the law goes too far. City Attorney Crenna Brumwell this week provided Dubuque City Council members with information about a law passed by the Iowa Legislature last year that allows county or city governments to file lawsuits against bars that are believed to be a public safety nuisance. According to a report, the law also states that while a suit against a bar remains pending in court, the hours at which that business may sell alcoholic beverages will be reduced to between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. One Dubuque bar owner says the prospect of a bar being forced to limit its service hours while a lawsuit is being adjudicated in court will likely deter people from considering opening new bars in town.