The Pella City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday for an ordinance allowing additional taverns in the downtown business district.

Current city code does not permit cocktail lounge uses, though they are allowable in the other commercial zoning districts. The council will review the ordinance, which if approved, would allow bars in the downtown area if they receive a special use permit from the Board of Adjustment.

The Planning and Zoning Commission passed the ordinance in a 8-2 vote last week.

Owners of the Cellar Peanut Pub Betsy and Marty Duffy have also submitted a letter to council, requesting the 2nd and 3rd readings of the ordinance be waived if approved due to “almost universal” public support. The move would allow them to open next month if they receive a permit from the Board of Adjustment.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Pella Public Safety Complex.

Click here for more details about the proposal.