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Urbandale council approves first reading of ordinance to regulate public consumption, aims at BYOB businesses
Summary
The council approved the first reading of an ordinance restricting public consumption of alcohol in certain public places to address BYOB-style businesses; the ordinance exempts licensed liquor establishments, hotels, parks and other categories but may need a clearer definition for a prospective farmers market.
The Urbandale City Council gave first reading approval to an ordinance that adds regulations on public consumption of alcoholic beverages, an action staff described as aimed at curbing unlicensed BYOB-style businesses that operate without liquor licensing oversight.
Police Chief Rob Johansen told the council the amendment targets “these BYOB establishments where they forgo a liquor license and start running a bring your own beer establishment,” and that the proposed rules would give the city a means to regulate and enforce public consumption where appropriate. He noted exceptions written into the ordinance for licensed businesses, hotels and public parks.
Council members asked about potential unintended consequences. One member asked whether the ordinance could apply to people carrying drinks on sidewalks or between houses; Chief Johansen responded that public consumption was already restricted on sidewalks. Council members also discussed including a farmers market exemption. City staff member Maria recommended either adding a definition of “farmers market” or removing that exemption since Urbandale does not yet have an officially sanctioned farmers market; the council asked staff to draft a definition and indicated they would discuss the second reading and any definition at the next meeting.
Council discussed enforcement and penalties: the draft ordinance defines violations as municipal infractions, and Chief Johansen confirmed fines would be associated with a municipal infraction if an officer chose to issue one.
The council voted to approve the ordinance’s first reading (Ordinance 2025-04); staff said the second reading will be scheduled with an opportunity for further discussion and to finalize any definitions or exemptions.
No final penalties or fee schedules were read into the record; staff will return with any recommended code definitions and the ordinance will come back for a second reading and final vote.
