You Need a License to Serve

In accordance with Chapter 110 of the Cities Municipal Code, no person shall manufacture for sale, import, sell, or offer or keep for sale; alcoholic liquor, wine, or beer without first securing a liquor control license, wine permit, or beer permit.

The City Clerk's office processes all beer permits and liquor licenses in accordance with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division's rules and regulations.

Liquor License New and Renewal Application Process

*** Application must be submitted online with supporting documents submitted to the City Clerk's Department for processing a minimum of 30 days prior to requested issuance date. 

Applicants must complete the following:

• Site Inspections are required to determine eligibility to get or renew a liquor license. Site Inspections are completed by the Urbandale Fire Marshal. Schedule your inspection at 1-515-331-6733.
• After site inspection is complete then you must submit an online application to the State of Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division (ABD) electronic license/permit application must be accessed at http://elicensing.iowaabd.com/
• Criminal Background Check must be completed for all Owners. The Iowa DCI's number is 515-725-6066.
• City Hall must receive a copy of Lease/Purchase agreement (1st & last pages only with signatures), drivers license of all owners and DCI report. 
• When investigation is completed and the premise has been inspected and approved, the application is presented to the Urbandale City Council. The City Council will determine whether the applicant is eligible to hold a liquor license in the City of Urbandale. Once Council Approves, the City Clerk will notify the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division for issuance. The State ABD will return the license to the city and in turn it will be mailed to the applicant listed on the online application. 
• You will be notified in writing if the City Council denies your liquor license application. You may call the Urbandale City Clerk’s Office to confirm the approval of your application.