Governor Reynolds Grants Temporary Relief to Iowa Bars and Restaurants Impacted by COVID-19

March 20, 2020

Governor Kim Reynolds issued a State of Public Health Emergency declaration on March 19 granting temporary relief to Iowa bars and restaurants impacted by mitigation efforts related to COVID-19.

The declaration authorizes the following:

Bars, restaurants and other alcohol retailers holding a class “C” liquor license issued by ABD may sell alcoholic liquor and wine in original, unopened containers for carry-out, curb-side pickup, drive-through or home delivery without obtaining an additional license, permit or privilege. Class “C” liquor licensees already have the authority to sell beer in original, unopened containers for off-premises consumption.
Breweries, brewpubs and beer retailers may fill and sell growlers or crowlers of beer to-go without requiring an in-person sales transaction.
Beer barrel tax and wine gallonage tax reporting and remittance is temporarily deferred.
Seasonal and temporary alcohol license and permit holders may request a refund of their license or permit fees.

More information on these changes, as well as any future changes connected to alcoholic beverages, can be found online on ABD’s COVID-19 Updates webpage at https://abd.iowa.gov/covid-19-updates.