The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division on Thursday announced new rules on to-go mixed drinks or cocktails.
![a close up of a bottle: Alcohol sales](https://www.msn.com/{"default":{"load":"default","w":"80","h":"45","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB12sCny.img?h=450&w=799&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"},"size3column":{"load":"default","w":"62","h":"35","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB12sCny.img?h=351&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"},"size2column":{"load":"default","w":"62","h":"35","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB12sCny.img?h=351&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"}})
© Provided by KCCI Des Moines
Alcohol sales
In June, the Iowa Legislature approved a bill to legalize sales of to-go mixed alcoholic drinks and Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the bill into law.
Sign up for our Newsletters
Rules announced Thursday now clarify how businesses must handle sales of these drinks and how customers must keep them sealed while driving.
The state said new rules prohibit the sale of mixed drinks or cocktails to-go in paper or Styrofoam cups, or plastic cups that are intended for one-time use. Lids with straw holes or sipping holes are also prohibited from being used.
“Containers of mixed drinks or cocktails to-go must also bear a seal that makes it visibly apparent when that seal has been tampered with,” the division said through a news release. “The types of sealing methods allowed under the rules are heat shrink wrap bands around the cap or lid, twist-top caps that break apart when the container is opened, or vacuum or heat-sealed pouches containing the mixed drink or cocktail.”
Drivers can also face a penalty for having or consuming an open container in their vehicle.
“Customers transporting mixed drinks or cocktails to-go that are not in compliance with the rules in the passenger area of a motor vehicle could face a fine of $200 for an open container violation,” ABD officials said.
The state said sellers found to be out of compliance can also face civil penalties, license suspension or license revocation.
TOP STORIES FROM KCCI:
VP Mike Pence talks pandemic, SCOTUS nomination at Family Leader event
Steve King defends past comments saying ‘Western civilization is under assault’
Law students and faculty from Drake, UI pen letter opposing SCOTUS proceedings
DART, MidAmerican Energy introduce all-electric buses
More than 400 Iowans hospitalized with coronavirus
READ THE FULL STORY:Iowa announces new rules for to-go mixed drinks
CHECK OUT KCCI:Get the latest Des Moines news and weather. The KCCI news team brings you the best in local coverage and all the top stories from across the state.
