Upon receipt of an application for a retail alcohol license (new or renewal application) the Clerk shall forward it to the Police Chief, or the Chief’s designee, who shall then conduct an investigation and submit a written report as to the truth of the facts averred in the application. The Police Department’s investigation will include a review of calls for service and disturbances at existing licensed premises which pertain to criminal activity. The Fire Chief shall also inspect the premises to determine if they conform to the requirements of the city. After completion of the investigation by the Police Chief and Fire Chief, their report shall be referred to the City Clerk for all applications. However, applications that are timely submitted per this chapter, that are in accordance with all regulations and ordinances, and do not have any resistance from the Fire Department or Police Department shall be referred directly to the City Council for the unanimous consent calendar. The Council shall not approve an application for a license for any premises which does not conform to the applicable law and ordinances, resolutions and regulations of the city or to any person who is not a “person of good moral character” as defined by this chapter, Iowa Code Chapter 123, and any applicable regulations of Iowa Admin. Code Title 185. The Police Chief and Fire Chief shall report to the City Council any violation of the state code or city ordinances that occur on the licensed premises of any licensee.
(Iowa Code § 123.50) (Ord. 2606, passed 3-26-2019; Ord. 2735, passed 2-13-2024)