How late can you buy beer in Iowa? All your Iowa liquor law questions answered
Beer and liquor laws can vary widely by state. What can you buy at a grocery store? Can you transport that favorite craft beer across state lines? Are Sunday sales allowed?
Here are some of Iowa's alcohol laws other than no drinking and driving.
Can you buy beer at a gas station in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa allows beer sales at convenience stores. It wouldn't be Iowa if you couldn't run to your local Casey's or Kum & Go to pick up a case of Busch Light.
In fact, the state of Iowa has allowed people to fill up their tank and pick up a 12-pack since 1972.
More: The Iowa Craft Brew Festival returns to Des Moines in June. Here's how to get tickets.
Can Iowa grocery stores sell beer?
Yes. If a gas station can get a liquor license, you already know Iowans expect grocery stores to carry their favorite alcohol beverages. Hy-Vee and Fareway offer a beer and wine section at select locations.
2024 Beer Brackets: Your favorite Iowa breweries are competing. Cast your vote today.
Are there restrictions on where liquor can be sold in Iowa?
Liquor sale restrictions depend on how the business is classified by the Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division. Any establishment looking to sell alcohol must receive a state license. In general, grocery stores and convenience stores are eligible for licenses to sell bottles of liquor in addition to wine and beer.
The classifications vary depending on the alcohol type including beer, wine and liquor. The location of the sale is also contingent on the license as well. Municipalities also have the authority to deny liquor sale applications if a business is not complying with the law.
Can you buy beer on a Sunday in Iowa?
If you are looking for a Sunday Funday of drinking, no need to stress about buying your beer the day before. This isn't Texas. Iowa is one of many states that allow the sale of alcohol on the sabbath day. Utah, North Carolina and Mississippi also ban the sale of alcohol on Sundays.
More: How to spend a perfect day in downtown Des Moines with food, drinks and more
How late can you buy beer in Iowa?
Whether you are a night owl or a morning person, Iowa's liquor laws cater to them all. Alcoholic beverages can be legally sold seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Nothing good happens after 2 a.m. anyway.
My favorite craft brewery isn't in Iowa. Can I bring beer across state lines?
Traveling with alcohol across state lines into Iowa is legal, but there are limitations to the amount and use of the liquor once imported.
You can transport up to 4.5 gallons of beer per month into Iowa for personal use. it can't be "sold, exchanged, dispensed, or given in consideration of purchase for any property or services."
As for wine and liquor, 8 liters per month is the limit, according to the Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division.
Your guide to 21 Des Moines metro breweries, taprooms and their craft beers
What are the penalties for drinking and driving?
If you blow a .08 blood-alcohol content while driving, the consequences are steep. The first offense is a serious misdemeanor. If convicted, there is 48 hours of jail time and a civil penalty fine of more than $1,000. Your driver's license will be revoked for at least 180 days or up to a year and you must attend a course about drunk driving.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Everything you need to know about Iowa's beer laws