http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up8fmugLOjo

Lead: The 21 ordinance sparked fear for the future of downtown Iowa City. Downtown bar owner Mike Porter even claimed the ordinance forced him to file for bankruptcy. Now while all three of Porter's bar establishments are still open a month after the 21 ordinance was upheld by public vote, Daily Iowan TV's Chelsea Burn tells you why some small businesses still fear getting the boot.

TAKE PKG runs 2:23

The 21 ordinance has caused a change to the downtown scene...but it only changes after 10PM.

A crucial time to many bars---who say they now face a loss in revenue--simply from cover charges.

SOT-Nick Arnold. Runs 5 seconds.
"We don't wish anyone out of business. That's not the business we're in."

So if the 21 ordinance does force bar owners out, a place like Fieldhouse could be in jeopardy. Right now, it is appraised at just under 1 million dollars and is 12,000 square feet large. So who's to come in? Some business owners fear that big businesses are going to take over.

SOT-Amber McDonald. Runs 12 seconds
"I think that this 21 only is going to completely whip out Iowa City, it's already changed the culture down here, it went from being a very lively, fun atmosphere and now it's just kind of vacant."

Although the downtown change only comes after 10PM, boutique owners like Amber McDonald say they fear what could replace these bars after their last call.

SOT-Amber McDonald. Runs 8 seconds.
"If anything does come in, it's going to have to be something corporate, because they're the only ones that are going to be able to foot the bill for the high, high rent prices.

SOT-Nick Arnold. Runs 5 seconds
"Anytime there are openings or vacancies of any sort, our goal is always to see those vacancies filled as quickly as possible.

And Arnold says the best part of downtown is the uniqueness small business bring.

SOT-Nick Arnold. Runs 18 seconds.
"We have shops like the soap opera, we have shops like Catherine's, Textiles, Artisan's Gallery, these are all shops that offer really a unique niche kind of product. They don't necessarily compete with a Target, or a store like that.

And that diversity is what the downtown association says they don't want to lose with the 21 ordinance. Chelsea Burn Daily Iowan TV.

TAG:
Even with the possibility of corporate stores moving into downtown Iowa City, places such as Lylas are confident that their shops offer something different, and can survive the competition.