City of Iowa City Wants Bar Closed Early Each Day After Fatal Shooting

The City of Iowa City has filed to have a local bar close early each night, following two shootings this year, one fatal, and a huge number of calls during the first 10 months of the year.

According to a release from the City of Iowa City, between January 1 and October 26, 2022, there have been 173 calls for service to 220 S. Van Buren Street in Iowa City. The location is home to H-Bar. According to the bar's Facebook page, they held a Grand Opening on New Year's Eve on December 31, 2021.

The City of Iowa City says there were only 23 calls for service to 220 S. Van Buren Street from 2016 through 2021. The 173 police calls thus far in 2022 represent a 4,400 percent increase.

The 2022 calls for service to Iowa City Police this year at the H-Bar address include:

• October 23: The fatal shooting of 36-year-old Waymond Thomas of Iowa City
• August 7: A young woman suffered multiple gunshot wounds
• June 19: During a fight, a firearm was recovered from a person who was barred from carrying weapons.
• April 10: A large fight.

*Both of the above shootings remain under investigation.

The Iowa City Police Department says they've been doing increased patrols around the H-Bar during 2022, which has often resulted in overtime for officers. The City of Iowa City also says they have attempted to address public safety concerns with the owners of the property, but haven't been successful.

The City of Iowa City has filed paperwork in Johnson County District Court for a nuisance abatement order. It asks that Johnson County District Court require the H-Bar be closed each day from 10 p.m. through 6 a.m.

A hearing on the city's request has not yet been scheduled.

Get our free mobile app