Iowa City Recommends Rescinding Alcohol License Suspension for Local Bar

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The City of Iowa City has recommended rescinding the 14-day suspension of The Fieldhouse Bar & Grill's alcohol license after city staff discovered an error in the city code that was the basis for the suspension. The suspension had not yet taken effect due to the bar's appeal, and the city will now recommend the City Council rescind the suspension at its next meeting.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of accurate record-keeping and the impact that codifier errors can have on local businesses. The Fieldhouse is a longstanding establishment in Iowa City, and the suspension of its alcohol license could have had significant financial and operational consequences for the bar.

The details

The suspension was originally issued on January 20, 2026, following a public hearing. However, city staff later discovered that a 2015 ordinance had deleted the specific code section used as the basis for the suspension, but the change was not properly reflected in the city code. The Fieldhouse had appealed the suspension, so it had not yet taken effect. City staff have now notified the bar's ownership and the Iowa Department of Revenue of the error and will recommend the City Council rescind the suspension.

• On January 20, 2026, the Iowa City Council voted to suspend The Fieldhouse's alcohol license for 14 days.
• On February 3, 2026, city staff discovered the error in the city code during a review of an unrelated matter.
• On February 17, 2026, the Iowa City Council will consider renewing The Fieldhouse's alcohol license.

What’s next

The Iowa City Council will consider rescinding the suspension of The Fieldhouse's alcohol license at its next meeting on February 17, 2026.