Downtown bar potentially faces fines pending investigation

City employees on Monday reported to My House Nightclub and Sports Bar to clean up foam balls that blew up and down South 7th Street following a “Christmas at the Beach” -themed party Saturday night.

The foam balls, which resemble packing peanuts, were all over the neighboring street, sidewalks and alleyways when employees showed up this morning to start cleaning. In addition, a large buildup of the foam was visible in nearby storm drains. The staff at My House has been cleaning since Sunday, and has been working with the city to clean up the mess.

My House faces potential littering charges as well as storm drain violations. According to city spokesman Steve Sapp the main concern for the city is to clean off the public walkways and streets as well as learn more about the ingredients in the foam balls.

The event company hired for Saturday’s party told the city the decorations were made of cornstarch, but city officials are still confirming that.

If the balls are made of Styrofoam and not cornstarch, they could pollute nearby bodies of water and pose a threat to the surrounding fish population.

The city was in the process of contacting the property owner(s) earlier today.

Find the press release here.