Ames council denies Perfect Games liquor-license renewal after state rejection of majority owner

The Ames City Council voted to deny the liquor-license renewal application for Perfect Games, 1320 Dickinson Ave., after the Iowa Department of Revenue had already denied the renewal because the majority owner, Karl Markley, was found to lack the required ‘‘good moral character.’’

City staff said the Iowa Department of Revenue denied renewal after a March 24, 2025, federal court judgment (a guilty plea reported in the department’s notice) involving the majority owner. Under the Department of Revenue’s standards, a person of ‘‘good moral character’’ must have financial standing and reputation that satisfy the director and a willingness to comply with applicable laws, ordinances and regulations; the department concluded the owner did not meet those standards and denied the renewal. Staff noted the city cannot override the state’s decision.

Kelly McPartland, who identified herself as an owner and manager of Perfect Games, told council staff had notified the business of the state denial on Friday and that the business had filed an appeal with the Iowa Department of Revenue. McPartland said she and other local owners want to remove the majority owner from the ownership group but are subject to a court order that currently prevents removing him. She asked the council to delay action while the appeal proceeds.

City staff and council members clarified procedural consequences: while an appeal to the Department of Revenue is pending, businesses have continued (in past cases) to serve alcohol while the appeal is processed. Staff said other applicants without disqualifying issues could apply for a license for the same location after ownership changes; a new applicant who meets requirements could obtain a license for the site. Staff also clarified this is a denial of a renewal application, not a license revocation, which carries different legal effects.

Council members expressed sympathy for local employees but noted the state decision effectively constrained the council’s options; one council member said approval by the council would be ‘‘meaningless’’ in light of the state denial. The council then moved and voted to deny the renewal application for Perfect Games. Council members noted the business may reapply if ownership changes and a different applicant without the disqualifying ownership history comes forward.

Votes at a glance: The council denied renewal of the Class C liquor license (1320 Dickinson Ave.) for Perfect Games; motion carried on roll call. The council approved renewal of other license applications listed in staff memo (the specific other businesses named in the meeting were renewed).