Learn about the applicable state regulations regarding the disposal of inventory when going out of business.
On-Premise Licensee
- Return unopened bottles of alcoholic liquor to a class “E” retail alcohol licensee and unopened bottles of beer and/or wine to the respective wholesaler, if the class “E” retail alcohol licensee and wholesaler consent to the return.
- Selling business to a licensee who will operate at the same location: Sell unopened bottles of alcoholic liquor, beer, and wine to the person who is going to operate a licensed establishment in the same location. A complete listing of inventory sold, name of purchaser, and purchaser’s license number shall be sent to the Department.
- Closing business (canceled license) and transferring inventory: The entire alcoholic beverage inventory may be transferred to one similarly licensed establishment owned by the same person, partnership, corporation, or association. A complete listing of inventory and the license number of where the inventory will be transferred to shall be sent to the Department.
For health reasons, opened bottles of liquor, beer, and wine should be destroyed.
Class “B” Retail Alcohol Licensee, Special Class “B” Retail Native Wine Licensee
(Off-premises establishments with the exception of class “E” retail alcohol licensees)
- Sell beer and wine inventory through a going out of business sale.
- Return beer and/or wine inventory to the respective wholesaler, if the wholesaler consents to the return.
- Selling business to a licensee who will operate at the same location: Sell unopened bottles of beer and/or wine to the person who is going to operate a licensed establishment in the same location. A complete listing of inventory sold, name of purchaser, and purchaser’s permit number shall be sent to the Department.
- Closing business (canceled license) and transferring inventory: The entire alcoholic beverage inventory may be transferred to one similarly licensed establishment owned by the same person, partnership, corporation, or association. A complete listing of inventory and the license number of where the inventory will be transferred to shall be sent to the Department.
Class “E” Retail Alcohol Licensee
Sell liquor, beer, and wine inventory through going-out-of-business sales.
- Closing business and liquidating inventory: Sell unopened bottles of alcoholic liquor to a class “E” licensee and return beer and wine inventory to the respective wholesaler, if the wholesaler consents to the return. Only one class “E” retail alcohol licensee can purchase the inventory and the entire alcoholic liquor inventory shall be purchased. A complete listing of alcoholic liquor inventory sold, name of purchaser, and purchaser’s license shall be sent to the Department.
- Selling business to a Class “E” retail alcohol licensee who will operate at the same location: Sell bottles of alcoholic liquor, beer, and wine to the person who is going to operate a licensed establishment in the same location. A complete listing of inventory sold, name of purchaser, and purchaser’s license number shall be sent to the Department.
- Closing business (canceled license) and transferring inventory: The entire alcoholic beverage inventory may be transferred to one class “E” retail alcohol licensed premises owned by the same person, partnership, corporation, or association. A complete listing of inventory and the license number of where the inventory will be transferred to shall be sent to the Department.
NOTE: Send your complete inventory to AdminActions@iowa.gov