The Pella Planning and Zoning Commission approved an ordinance that would allow for taverns in the downtown business district at a special meeting Monday morning.

The ordinance will next be considered by the Pella City Council on Tuesday, January 19th. If approved by council, bars would be an allowable use in downtown Pella, but would be limited by a select number of special use permits issued by the Board of Adjustment.

The matter was first presented to the council in December, when the Cellar Peanut Pub in Oskaloosa expressed interest in purchasing an empty location and operating a craft brew pub at 629 Franklin Street. The new owners are currently renovating the interior of the building.