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Alcohol Regulations

Iowa

Regulatory Contact:
1918 SE Hulsizer Road
Ankeny, IA 50021
PHONE:
312-814-2206
FAX:
EMAIL:
commission@iowaabd.com
WEBSITE:
Visit
STATE LIQUOR 
CODE:
Visit
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Service Facts:

Legal Drinking Age:
21
Age to Consume:
21
Service to Minors:
NO
Employment of Minors:
YES
Age to Serve:
16
Age to Sell:
16
Age to Pour:
16
Age to Sell Packaged Beer:
16

State Training Program:

Program Type:
Voluntary
Program Name:
Iowa Program for Alcohol Compliance Training (I-PACT)
Program Website:
Visit

Iowa Program for Alcohol Compliance Training (I-PACT)

I-PACT is a voluntary, state-wide alcohol compliance training program offered by the Iowa Department of Revenue. The program educates servers, sellers and licensees on Iowa alcohol laws (Chapter 123), ID verification, intoxication recognition, delivery rules and responsible alcohol service. Although the program is voluntary statewide, some municipalities or employers may require certified training. Certification is currently valid for 2 years, though some sources list 3 years—confirm with your employer or licensing authority.

Steps to Be Compliant in Iowa:

  1. Confirm your employer or local requirements:
    Even though training is voluntary statewide, your employer or local licensing board may require it.
  2. Complete the I-PACT free online training:
    Enroll in and finish the online course offered by the Iowa Department of Revenue.
  3. Obtain and retain your certificate:
    Download and keep your certificate of completion for your employer or licensing authority records.
  4. Track certificate validity:
    Certificate validity is typically 2 years (some sources list 3). Confirm renewal timing with your employer or local jurisdiction.

Program Benefits:

1. Reduced Liability & Risk Exposure
Completing I-PACT helps reduce the risk of alcohol sales to minors or intoxicated persons, lowering exposure to fines or administrative action.

2. Helps Meet Employer or Local Requirements
Many employers, insurers and local jurisdictions expect certified staff—even though training isn’t state-mandated.

3. Improved Compliance with Iowa Law
Training covers Iowa Code Chapter 123, ID verification, fake ID detection, intoxication recognition and safe service.

4. Standardized Training Across Staff
Ensures consistent knowledge of service rules, ID checks and refusal skills across your team.

5. Valid Certification for Typically 2 Years
Certificates are valid for approximately two years (some sources list three)—track your renewal cycle.

Courses Offered:
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Disclaimer:
This isn’t legal advice. Food safety regulations change and vary by city, county, and state. Always double-check with your local health department to confirm the latest requirements. We review and update our information regularly — but hey, even the best chef burns the lamb sauce sometimes. If you spot an error or have a suggestion, email us at compliance@certivance.com