New Growler Rules

Beginning July 1, 2015, retailers holding a class “C” beer permit, including class “E” liquor licensees selling carryout beer, will be allowed to fill and sell growlers of beer for consumption off the licensed premises, subject to the rules of the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (Division). Specific rules on growler sales are currently being written. These rules will include:

• Beer may be transferred from the original container (keg) into the container being sold (growler) only at the time of the sale (growlers cannot be prefilled and stored for sale at a later time)
• The growler cannot be larger than 72 ounces
• Growler filling and refilling operations must be compliant with applicable state and federal food safety statutes and regulations
• The growler must be securely sealed by a method authorized by the Division
• The keg must have been purchased from a licensed beer wholesaler
• The person transferring the beer must be at least 18 years of age and an employee of the licensed retailer
• The holder of the class “C” beer permit, including class “E” liquor licensees selling carryout beer, cannot sell beer to another retail license or permit holder
• Beer sales are prohibited to persons under legal age, intoxicated, or simulating intoxication.

To ensure compliance with Iowa food safety and licensing statutes and regulations, please visithttps://ia.foodprotectiontaskforce.com/library/ and review the Fact Sheet for Businesses Filling Growlers or contact your local food licensing agency. Until the Division adopts rules, retailers holding a class “C” beer permit, including class “E” liquor licensees selling carryout beer, must receive Division approval before filling and selling growlers. For information on how to receive Division approval, please contact Stephanie Strauss at Strauss@IowaABD.com.