NORA SPRINGS, IOWA – Law enforcement wrote a ticket Thursday evening against the local juice bar owner for a liquor violation.
Dale Peterson confirms to NIT that Thursday evening, Nora Springs police wrote him a ticket for violation of Iowa code 123.46, section 2. According to that law, “A person shall not use or consume alcoholic liquor, wine, or beer upon the public streets or highways. A person shall not use or consume alcoholic liquor in any public place except premises covered by a liquor control license.” This is a misdemeanor violation.
Mr. Peterson tells NIT that police claim a young lady “brought a bottle of liquor” inside The Pole Barn, an adult-themed “performing arts theatre” that most people just call a juice bar. Beer and wine are allowed inside.
However, he says “they never found the bottle” of booze.
“I never saw it, and we check everyone that comes in,” he explained. “They (the police) claim she had it, but it was never found.”
Nora Springs police were unable to accept a call early Friday afternoon.
To make matters more complicated for Mr. Peterson, he says city building inspectors and the local fire inspector came to The Pole Barn earlier Thursday and had some news for him.
“They say I gotta install a sprinkler system,” he says. “That’s a lot of money right there.”
When asked if he feels as if he is being singled-out or picked on, Mr. Peterson said “Well sure I do. It feels that way. If they could just come in and see how this place is operated, and see how safe it is. People just want to have fun, and we let them do that. We’re not hurting anyone here.”
Mr. Peterson is due for a court hearing March 25.
He tells NIT that The Pole Barn will feature at least 7 performers this evening.
