This bill amends various sections of Iowa's alcoholic beverage control laws, particularly concerning the issuance of certificates of compliance for distillers, brewers, and vintners, as well as the introduction of class A wine permits for nonnative wine manufacturers. Notably, it removes the requirement for certain individuals involved in the distribution of alcoholic liquor brands to obtain a distillers certificate prior to resale. The bill also mandates that applications for distillers, brewers, and vintners certificates be submitted electronically, and it specifies that brewers holding a certificate may also hold a class A beer permit. Additionally, it eliminates the exemption from the $200 fee for Iowa-based vintners or wine bottlers holding a class A wine permit.

A significant addition is the new section 123.176A, which allows nonnative wine manufacturers—those producing wine outside Iowa—to apply for a class A wine permit without needing to be residents of the state. These manufacturers can sell wine they produce on their out-of-state premises, provided it is registered with the federal alcohol and tobacco tax and trade bureau. The bill stipulates that sales can only be made to individuals holding a class A wine permit or a retail alcohol license, and prohibits the sale of wine fermented by other manufacturers. The annual fee for a class A wine permit for both native and nonnative manufacturers is set at $100, aligning the fees for both categories.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 123.3, 123.23, 123.135, 123.176A, 123.175, 123.179