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Legislative Priorities & Wins

The Iowa Restaurant Association is committed to shaping a favorable business environment for hospitality operators. From liquor laws to labor reform, our legislative efforts are driven by real-world operator needs, and backed by years of effective advocacy.

Legislative Wins

Our victories are your victories. With member support, we’ve secured dozens of legislative changes in recent years, including:

Music Licensing Reform – stopped predatory tactics; set clear standards for conduct.
Service Animal Clarification – defined rights; stopped “comfort animal” abuse.
Stopped ABD Overreach – blocked compliance officers from gaining peace officer powers.
Beer-to-Go Flexibility – backup supply allowed with 5 case per day retail purchases.
Permanent legalization of cocktails-to-go
Removal of Sunday alcohol sales fee
Protections against third-party delivery exploitation
$40 million in COVID-19 relief funding
Major DRAM reform and lower insurance liability
Youth labor expansion and permit elimination
Franchise & service animal definition reform
Preemption of local wage, leave, and packaging mandates

Legislative Priorities

Stay informed on our 2025 priorities and ongoing initiatives. We work closely with state leaders to champion issues that matter to Iowa’s food, beverage, and hospitality businesses.

Federal Issues

We partner with the National Restaurant Association to advocate for solutions on critical national issues. Learn more about our position on:

Supporting, promoting, educating, & advocating for Iowa’s hospitality industry since 1933.

Quick Links

Contact Us

Iowa Restaurant Association
1501 42nd Street, Suite 294
West Des Moines, IA 50266

Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 9 AM-3 PM
Fri- 9 AM-12 PM

Phone: (515) 276-1454

Email: info@restaurantiowa.com