Alcohol
Outdoor Service
Outdoor service areas are designated areas which are adjacent to a licensed premises and include patios and beer gardens. Outdoor service areas are considered extensions of existing licensed premises. They are not, however, automatically included as part of the licensed premises.
Licensees may not sell or serve any alcoholic beverages in an outdoor area until they have met licensing requirements by filing the following documents with the Alcoholic Beverages Division.
- Applications for outdoor service area approved and signed by the city council or county board of supervisors.
- Sketch of the outdoor area clearly showing boundaries of the area and its relationship to the licensed premises.
- Endorsement for the licensee's insurance company certifying that the dram shop insurance covers the outdoor service area. (Endorsement is required only when dram shop insurance is required for the class of license the licensee holds.)
The words "outdoor service area" will be reflected at the bottom of the license if the licensee has met all requirements for an outdoor service area. ("Outdoor service area" will not be reflected on the license if the outdoor area is to be used for less than a two-week period.) Outdoor service areas are not stand-alone licenses. They expire with the license and must be renewed annually.
Iowa Code section 123.3(20), and 185 Iowa Administrative Code
