Liquor Licenses

Application Process for a New Liquor License

Liquor licenses must be applied for through the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division Electronic Licensing and Permitting System (eLAPS). Tutorials and reference guides for the eLAPS are available online.

New liquor licenses must be approved by the City Council. Prior to consideration at Council, all applicants must fully complete the online application process including dramshop protection (if applicable), uploading a sketch of the premises, and uploading a copy of the executed lease or warranty deed.

The sketch of the premises must include:

• all floors where alcoholic beverages are stored
• all entrances and exits
• all restrooms
• off-premise consumption applications must identify where alcoholic beverages are sold
• on-premise consumption applications must identify where alcoholic beverages are served and consumed in addition to the location and quantity of tables and chairs

Regular Council meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. All documents above must be included in the eLAPS by the Monday preceding Council week for consideration on the Council meeting agenda.

After a new liquor license is approved by Council, notification will be given to the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division who will email the issued license to the establishment after their review and approval.

Please contact the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division at 866.469.2223 or online if you have questions about the electronic licensing process.

Resources:
Licensing Renewals, Laws and Requirements
License Classifications
Fee Schedule
Dramshop Protection