In a move that is probably much less controversial than the 21 Ordinance or another LOST, Iowa City Council is likely to draw the line on amateur bar fights--at least inside the bar.
From the Gazette
It appears that the city will ban amateur fighting contests in establishments that sell alcohol.
At a work session tonight, the council directed City Attorney Eleanor Dilkes to draft an ordinance prohibiting the events in venues that hold liquor licenses.The council will vote on the proposal at an undetermined future meeting. A majority of council members expressed support for it tonight.``I do think that testosterone and alcohol don't mix very well,'' council member Connie Champion said.
Council members Regenia Bailey and Dee Vanderhoef said they would prefer amateur fighting be banned in the city with no exceptions.``I just think it's violent,'' Vanderhoef said.
The council has taken on the issue in reaction to the Union Bar's ``fight night.'' It began in late March and allows amateurs to either box or fight in a style known as mixed martial arts, which allows punching, kicking and holds similar to those found in wrestling.
No governmental oversight of the bouts exists because the state regulates only professional fights. Similar amateur events occur in Cedar Rapids and Dubuque.
Council members and Police Chief Sam Hargadine said they were worried about a variety of issues related to public safety, especially the possible mixture of fighting and alcohol use.
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