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Bill > HF2325
IA HF2325
IA HF2325A bill for an act permitting a city to create social districts allowing for the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain public places.(Formerly HF 2074.)
summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
Crossed Over
02/23/2026
02/23/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill permits a city to create social districts (district) allowing for the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain public places. A city may define by ordinance an area which may be used by holders of class “C” or special class “C” retail alcohol licenses in a district. A class “C” license allows commercial establishments like bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic liquor, wine, and beer, and a special class “C” license allows such establishments to sell just wine and beer. The bill defines a “district” to mean a defined area that allows for the possession and consumption of alcoholic liquor, wine, and beer on public roadways, sidewalks, and other public spaces within the boundaries of the district. An ordinance adopted pursuant to the bill is required to include the following: (1) a legal description or map of the district, (2) the days and hours the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted, (3) the requirements for containers containing alcoholic beverages consumed in the district and the use of such containers, (4) the requirements for retail alcohol licensees participating in the district, (5) enforcement provisions, and (6) revocation and suspension provisions for the retail alcohol licensees and the district. The bill specifies an ordinance shall not be construed to authorize the consumption of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle or on public streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces during the times when the ordinance is not in effect; authorize the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in a manner contrary to the provisions of Code chapter 123 (alcohol beverage control); or prohibit a participating retail alcohol licensee in the district or other establishment in the district from denying entry to persons who possess alcohol from other participating retail alcohol licensees in the district.
AI Summary
This bill allows cities to establish "social districts," which are defined public areas where people can possess and consume alcoholic beverages, including liquor, wine, and beer, on public streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces. To create a social district, a city must pass an ordinance that specifies the district's boundaries, the days and hours alcohol consumption is allowed, rules for special containers that identify the source of the alcohol, requirements for participating businesses that hold class "C" or special class "C" retail alcohol licenses (which are licenses for establishments like bars and restaurants to sell alcohol), and how violations will be enforced, including potential suspension or revocation of licenses or the district itself. Importantly, the bill clarifies that this does not permit drinking in vehicles, during times when the social district ordinance is not in effect, or in a way that violates general alcohol control laws, nor does it prevent businesses within the district from refusing entry to individuals carrying alcohol from another establishment.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
State Government (House)
Last Action
Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Bisignano, and Schultz. S.J. 418. (on 02/26/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2325 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF2325.html |
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