COUNCIL ACTION FORM

REQUEST FOR ACTIVATION OF SOCIAL DISTRICT ORDINANCE FOR WITCHES WALK

During an authorized Social District event, businesses that hold a retail alcohol license and have been approved by the City Council to be part of the Social District may dispense it into a special marked container that has been approved by the City Council. This container could then be carried and consumed outdoors, on streets, sidewalks, and in other public spaces within the Social District. The alcohol may be taken into other alcohol-licensed, participating businesses that consent to it, but not into non-licensed premises.

On December 16, 2025, the City Council approved requests from Ames Main Street to hold Witches Walk in the downtown area (see report here). Witches Walk will occur on October 8, 2026. Assuming that the City Council approves all three readings of the ordinance creating the Social District at the September 22 City Council meeting (a previous item on this agenda), Ames Main Street is requesting the activation of the Social District for the Witches Walk event. The activation of the social district would occur from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on October 8. It includes 19 participating alcohol vendors. 

The Social District ordinance requires the applicant (Ames Main Street) to provide a plan for each proposed activation, including: 

1. Proposed dates and times for activation of the social district
   
   
2. A list of the vendors requesting approval to participate in the social district activation as participating vendors
   
   
3. A description of the marked container that each participating vendor will use during the social district activation
   
   
4. A plan to ensure the social district boundaries are clearly marked
   
   
5. A plan to ensure the social district rules are followed by those participating in the social district, whether participating vendors or persons purchasing alcohol from participating vendors
   
   
6. A plan to inform businesses and residents within the social district of the proposed activation
   
   
7. Proof that the recognized Main Street Iowa organization designated for downtown has been consulted regarding the activation of the social district
   
   
8. Any other information required by the Chief of Police to evaluate the proposed activation, its applicant, and the risks involved with the proposal

Ames Main Street has completed an application responsive to these requirements. Additionally, the organization has agreed to hire back an Ames Police Officer to assist in monitoring this first activation of the Social District.

The ordinance requires the Chief of Police to review the application and provide a recommendation to the City Council. The Chief has reviewed the application in this specific instance and is recommending approval.

1. Approve the request from Ames Main Street to activate the Social District from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on October 8, 2026.
   
   
2. Approve the request with conditions.
   
   
3. Do not approve the request.

The City Council has been requested to implement a new ordinance allowing for alcohol to be carried from licensed establishment to licensed establishment and within the boundaries of an established Social District. The application for this activation of the Social District has been reviewed by staff and determined that it complies with the requirements of the new ordinance. The Police Chief has recommended approval. Therefore, assuming the City Council has approved the Social District ordinance and suspended the rules to adopt that ordinance earlier in the September 22 meeting, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1, as described above.