Alcohol

Licenses

LICENSE & PERMIT CLASSIFICATIONS

The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division issues licenses and permits as specified by Iowa law. License classifications fall into three main categories – retail, wholesale, and manufacture/import. Although seasonal licenses are available in certain classifications, most licenses expire one year from the date of issuance.

On Premises Licenses

 

Off Premises Licenses and Permits

Additional Privileges for Retail Licenses/Permits

Wholesale Permits

Import/Manufacture Permits

Retail Licenses and Permits

On Premises Licenses

Classification
License/Permit Privileges
Authority

Class A Liquor License 		Allows nonprofit clubs to sell liquor, wine, beer and wine coolers for on premises consumption only; no carry-out sales. Sales are restricted to members and guests. IC § 123.30(3)(a)
Class B Liquor License Allows hotels and motels to sell liquor, wine, beer and wine coolers for on premises consumption. Also allows carry-out sales of beer and wine coolers in original unopened containers. IC §123.30(3)(b)

 

Class C Liquor License 		Allows commercial establishments to sell liquor, wine, beer and wine coolers for on premises consumption. Also allows carry-out sales of beer and wine coolers in original unopened containers. IC §123.30(3)(c)
Special Class C Liquor License Allows commercial establishments to sell wine, beer and wine coolers for on premises consumption. Also allows carry-out sales of beer and wine coolers in original unopened containers. IC §123.30(3)(c)
Class B Beer Permit Allows commercial establishments to sell beer for on premises consumption. Also allows carry-out sales of beer and wine coolers in original unopened containers. IC §123.124
Class D Liquor License Allows railroads, air common carriers and passenger-carrying boats or ships operating in inland or boundary waters to sell liquor, wine, beer and wine coolers for on premises consumption only; no carry-out sales. IC §123.30(3)(d)

Note: Five-day, 14-day, 6-month and 8-month licenses are available for all on premises license/permits.

 

Off Premises Licenses and Permits

Classification
License/Permit Privileges
Authority
Class B Wine Permit
Allows commercial establishments to sell wine for off premises consumption in original unopened containers. No sales by the drink
IC §123.173
Class B Native Wine Permit
 Allows commercial establishments to sell Iowa made wine for off premises consumption in original unopened containers. No sales by the drink. Samples are permitted of 1 ounce or less.
IC §123.32
Class C Beer Permit
Allows commercial establishments to sell beer and wine coolers for off premises consumption in original unopened containers. No sales by the drink.
IC §123.124
Class E Liquor License
Allows commercial establishments to sell liquor for off premises consumption in original unopened containers. No sales by the drink.
IC §123.30(3)(e)
Note: Six-month and 8-month permits are available for class B wine permits. Only 12-month licenses/permits may be issued for class E liquor licenses and class C beer permits.

 

Additional Privileges for Retail Licenses/Permits

Privilege
Activity Allowed
May Add To
Authority
Brew Pub
 Allows brewing of beer on the premises for consumption on the premises.
 Class C liquor licenses; class B beer permits.
IC §123.130
Catering
 Allows catering of liquor, wine, beer and beer coolers as part of a food catering service.
Classes B, C liquor licenses. (only 12-month)
IC §123.95 & 185 IAC
Living Quarters
 Separates private living quarters from the licensed premises; protects licensee from warrantless searches in living quarters.
Classes A, B, C, special C liquor licenses; classes B, C beer permits; class B wine permit.
IC §123.30(2) & 185 IAC
Outdoor Service
 Allows selling/serving alcoholic beverages permitted by the license/permit in a designated, adjacent outdoor area.
 Classes A, B, C, special C liquor licenses; classes B, C beer permits; class B wine permit.
IC §123.3(20) &185 IAC
Ownership Update Application
 Allows licensee to update the ownership or interest in their business. Supporting documents shall accompany the application.
Class A, B, C, special C, E liquor licenses; classes B, C beer permits; class B wine permit.
185 IAC
Refund Application
 Allows a refund of any unused quarters of a 12-month license.
Class A, B, C, special C, E liquor licenses; classes B, C beer permits; class B wine permit. No refunds on seasonal licenses.
IC §123.38 & 185 IAC
Sunday Sales
 Allows selling/serving alcoholic beverages permitted by the license/permit.
 Classes A, B, C, special C, D liquor licenses & classes B, C beer permits.
IC §123.36
Transfer Application
 Allows license to be transferred from one location to another, only within the boundaries of the current approving local authority.
Class A, B, C, special C, E liquor licenses; classes B, C beer permits; class B wine permit.
IC §123.38 & 185 IAC

 

Wholesale Permits

Classification
Permit Privileges
Authority
Class A Beer Permit
Allows the manufacture and sale of beer at wholesale to licensed retailers.

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IC §123.124
Class A Wine Permit
Allows the manufacture and sale of wine at wholesale to licensed retailers.

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IC §123.123
Note: Under IC §123.22, the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division is the sole wholesaler of liquor. The Division sells liquor to class E licensees only; class E liquor licensees sell liquor to the general public and to on premises licensees.

 

Import/Manufacture Permits

Classification
Permit Privileges
Authority
Brewer's Certificate of Compliance
 Allows manufacturer, brewer, bottler, importer or vendor to ship beer into Iowa for resale by licensed beer wholesalers.

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IC §123.185
Broker's Permit
 Allows the presentation and promotion of liquor in Iowa.
IC §123.42
Class A Native Beer Permit
 Allows the manufacture of beer to sell beer at retail at the brewery for off and on-premise consumption. Also allows sale to beer wholesalers and retail licensees.

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IC §123.30
Class A Native Wine Permit
 Allows the manufacture of wine to sell wine at retail at the winery for off-premise consumption. Also allows sale to wine wholesalers and retail licensees.

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IC §123.56 & 185 IAC
Distiller's Certificate of Compliance
Allows manufacturer, distiller or importer to ship liquor into Iowa for resale by the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division.

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IC §123.19
Manufacturer's License
 Allows manufacture, storage and sale of liquor to the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division and to customers outside Iowa.
IC §123.41
Vintner's Certificate of Compliance
 Allows manufacturer, vintner, bottler, importer or vendor to ship wine into Iowa for resale by licensed wine wholesalers.

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IC §123.180