Relating to alcoholic beverages, including license authorizations, bond requirements, and fee determinations, and including effective date and applicability provisions

This bill relates to alcoholic beverages. DEFINITIONS AND LICENSE AUTHORIZATIONS. The bill modifies the definition of “canned cocktail” by specifying that the alcohol component is primarily alcoholic liquor, and expands the definition of “mixed drink or cocktail” to include alcoholic beverages composed of wine or beer.49(2)(d)(3), if the beverage does not contain alcoholic liquor. The bill specifically authorizes the state of Iowa or a state agency to be issued a retail alcohol license and excludes them from the requirements that the applicant for a retail alcohol license, class “A” native distilled spirits license, class “A” or special class “A” beer permit, or class “A” wine permit be a person of good moral character and authorized to do business in the state of Iowa. 173C). This division takes effect upon enactment. LICENSING FEE DETERMINATION. Under current law, when determining the applicable fee for a class “B”, class “C”, special class “C”, or class “E” retail alcohol license, where the premises or commercial establishment is located outside the corporate limits of any city, the population of the nearest incorporated city is used, unless the licensed premises is located in an unincorporated town, then the unincorporated town is treated as a city. The bill instead determines such fees based on the population of the nearest incorporated city as determined by the address assigned by United State postal service. This division applies to licenses issued or renewed on or after November 10, 2025. A license issued prior to that date and in effect on that date shall continue in full force and effect until expiration or renewal.