Cities may allow drinking in mapped public areas during set hours

Out-of-state wine makers may apply for an Iowa Class A wine permit and sell their own wine in Iowa. The rule covers wine fermented at a licensed or permitted premises outside Iowa. The maker must hold an alcohol license or permit from another state, and its wine must be registered with the federal alcohol and tobacco agency. Sales may go only to Iowa wine permit holders or retail alcohol licensees. Direct shipping to individual buyers requires a separate wine direct shipper permit. The maker may not sell wine made by someone else. It must allow state audits of its manufacturing and sales records.

Cities may create social districts where people can possess or drink alcohol in public spaces. The district may include public streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces. Participating sellers must hold a Class C or special Class C license. A city ordinance must map the district, set days and hours, and explain container labels, seller participation, enforcement, and penalties. The ordinance must provide procedures to suspend or end seller participation or the district. It does not allow drinking in vehicles or outside the hours it sets. Businesses may still refuse entry to people carrying drinks from other participating businesses.

Applicants for listed alcohol sales certificates must pay a $200 application or renewal fee. The provisions cover makers, importers, vendors, and their agents who seek certificates for alcohol sold for resale in Iowa. The fee applies to certificates for liquor, beer, and wine sold for resale through Iowa permit holders. The liquor certificate rule does not apply to certain sellers whose special-order sales total no more than eleven gallons or the case equivalent in a fiscal year. Iowa wine makers and bottlers with a Class A wholesale permit do not pay the wine certificate fee, but must meet its other terms. Each certificate lasts one year and must be renewed to continue.