WATERLOO - Packers Inn will lose its liquor license for seven days because of smoking violations earlier this year, the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division announced Monday.

A June 30 hearing found Packers guilty of violating the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. From 6 a.m. Sept. 21 to 6 a.m. Sept. 28, no alcoholic liquor, wine or beer may be sold, dispensed or consumed on the premises.

"A seven-day suspension, which is the lowest issued by my office, should be more than sufficient under the facts of this case," wrote Jeffrey D. Farrell, administrative law judge with the department of inspections and appeals.

According to complaints filed by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, a Waterloo police officer went to Packers, 201 Rath St., Jan. 17 and noticed an employee smoking behind the bar.

One person was found smoking during both Jan. 24 and Jan. 31 checks, with employees doing nothing to correct the situation. At least six inspections since then have yielded no additional violations.

The bar is licensed by Diamond Jade Limited and owned and managed by Donna Engleman.

Engleman testified ashtrays were removed and no-smoking signs posted after the Smokefree Air Act took effect July 1, 2008. After learning about the violations, she added "It's the law" to the signs.

An administrator has ruled on appeals in at least three cases. His sanctions have ranged from 30-day suspensions to revocation.