(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday evening, approved a Class-C Liquor License for Weitzel’s Restaurant, for the effective dates of July 15,2021 to July 14, 2022. Their action – albeit late – came after the Council received confirmation from the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) that restaurant owner Jake Weitzel had dramshop endorsement. Dramshop laws are intended to protect the general public from harm or loss due to over service of intoxicated patrons on a licensed premises. Dramshop insurance is a precondition to holding and maintaining an Iowa liquor license.

During their meeting on August 3^rd, the Atlantic City Council refused to take action on issuing the Liquor License, when Councilman Dana Halder complained about the lack of upkeep on the property, with weeds growing in the parking lot and the condition of the property itself.

Councilman Gerald Brink said during that same meeting, that he understood the restaurant “was closed down by the State.”

During last night’s (Tonight’s) City Council meeting (8/17), City Clerk Barb Barrick told the Council that when the ABD found out the Council failed to approve Weitzel’s license, the ABD sent Jake Weitzel a letter that stated the City of Atlantic had disproved the license, and that he may appeal that decision, which he did on August 11th. In the meantime, his application is considered to have been “timely filed.” Weitzel was appealing the Council’s lack of initial action, due to the following factors he cited in his letter of appeal to the ABD Administrator:

Weitzel said he could not find a notice regarding his property, but Barb Barrick says the City has proof a notice was sent to him in June. Jake Weitzel went on to say in his appeal letter, that Councilman Dana Halder and “Another council member falsely accused me of being shut down by the Department of Inspections and Appeals, and used that as another reason for denial of my liquor license.”

Councilman Halder, during the latest Council meeting, denied he ever mentioned Weitzel’s had been shut-down. Councilman Pat McCurdy said didn’t recall Halder saying the restaurant had been closed down by the State. The next step is a phone hearing between the ABD, Mr. Weitzel and representatives for the City of Atlantic.

Mayor Grace Garrett reiterated that the City is enforcing the Code on businesses and residences, with regard to property upkeep.