Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for processing a new beer, wine or liquor license application from the time all documents are submitted until the license certificate is issued by the State of Iowa 

APPLICATION AND APPROVAL PROCESS - Please follow these steps in the order listed:

1. To submit your amendment application online, go to the State of Iowa’s website https://iowaabd.force.com/. The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division Electronic Licensing and Permitting System (Iowa ABD eLAPS) “Applicant Quick Reference Guide” is available on the website. Be sure to follow the instructions for submitting an AMENDMENT application next to the existing license. Contact Iowa ABD with questions at (866) 469-2223 (Option 1 for a Licensing Specialist).

2. Please provide all of the following documents to [email protected] to begin the approval process.
a. Temporary or extended outdoor area
• Sketch of the premises and outdoor area. 
Please provide a clearly marked sketch with the outline of the currently licensed premises (building) and the boundaries of the outdoor area. The outdoor area must include an entryway leading directly between the building and outdoor area. The outdoor area cannot be separated from the building by parking or other space. Boundaries of an outdoor area must be easily identifiable using visible above-ground structure (such as permanent or temporary fencing, barricades, planters, etc.).

b. Ownership Update In the case of sole proprietorships, the previous licensee must cancel the existing license. Subsequently, the new owner must apply for a new license. In the case of corporations and partnerships, an ownership update may be submitted via an amendment application for any change to owners, officers, and/or directors.
• Confidential Addendum 
This form requests background information and proof of financial responsibility. Applicants must provide financial statement (bank statement or balance sheet) along with the form. 
• Proof of change of ownership 
Corporations and partnerships must provide signed copies of the transfer of shares or minutes of meetings reflecting the resignation and election of officers and directors.

c. Premise update or transfer
• Sketch of the premises and outdoor area if applicable
Please provide a clearly marked sketch with the outline of the currently licensed premises (building) and the boundaries of the outdoor area. The outdoor area must include an entryway leading directly between the building and outdoor area. The outdoor area cannot be separated from the building by parking or other space. Boundaries of an outdoor area must be easily identifiable using visible above-ground structure (such as permanent or temporary fencing, barricades, planters, etc.).
• 600-foot distance requirement affidavit (unless exempt) 
Measured lot line to lot line.

The following items are not required at the same time you submit your amendment application for a premise update/transfer. However, they are required before your license can be processed by the State.
• Lease agreement, warranty deed or final sales contract for the premise (building)
Purchase agreements cannot be accepted. Please remember that, except under certain circumstances, the State will not back-date a license to an effective date prior to City Council approval and processing of the application and license, nor prior to the effective date of a lease or ownership of the building.
• Dram shop liability insurance verification (if applicable for on-premise licenses only)
The effective dates must run concurrently with the effective dates of the license. After the dates have been determined, the insurance company must verify coverage on-line in order for the City to approve your application for processing by the State. It is not necessary to provide a copy of the dram shop liability certificate to the City.

3. The application information will be routed to the Zoning, Fire, Police and/or Building Departments for review. When all department recommendations have been received by the Revenue Division, your application will be placed on the Committee of the Whole agenda for City Council approval before processing by the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division.  
***Note: Council agenda is set two weeks prior to each meeting and meetings are held twice per month.

4. When all of the above steps are completed, the City will endorse your amendment application for processing by the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division.   

5. Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division will email your new license to the email address provided on your online application. Please print and post the license at the licensed premise.