An ordinance allowing minors into microbreweries and similar establishments while accompanied by an adult was tabled by the Pella City Council at their meeting this week.
City Administrator Mike Nardini tells KNIA/KRLS News he’d rather the council and city staff take their time to get the law change right as opposed to rushing it through and having negatives to deal with later.
“The bottom line from whether it is city staff or city council — we’re all on the same page, we want to make sure to do the right thing and we want to get it right the first time,” he says. “So from my perspective there’s nothing wrong with tabling something if there’s questions on it, because the bottom line is, we want to make sure we create an ordinance that works for everyone and is a win-win for the community and potential microbreweries.”
The ordinance that was tabled would allow minors to enter microbreweries as long as they are with someone over the age of 21. Pella City Council members Tony Bokhoven, Bruce Schiebout, Harold Van Stryland, and Lynn Branderhorst all expressed concerns with the measure, citing potential issues by letting minors into establishments that primarily manufacture alcohol, especially if the establishment has late hours, as well as a desire to preserve Pella’s current alcohol restrictions to prevent any potential abuse of the system by young adults. Owners of the proposed Gezellig Brewing Company, Betsy Duffy and Mindi Vandenbosch, both say the aim of the establishment is to provide a space for people of all ages to gather.
“A huge focus for us will be our handcrafted craft soda, made with real ingredients, free of artificial colors, syrups or flavors as well as classes for children on how to make your own sodas,” the owners said.
The ordinance remains on the table, with city staff intending to provide additional information to council before a vote is taken.