Attorney General: Iowa bars risk losing liquor licenses if they violate Smokefree Air Act

Des Moines County leads state with five liquor license actions, followed by Wapello, Appanoose, and Hamilton counties.

DES MOINES — Attorney General Tom Miller has filed eight new liquor license revocation complaints against Iowa bars for violating Iowa’s Smokefree Air Act. The new complaints bring to 38 the number of liquor license enforcement actions brought by the Attorney General’s Office since the law took effect.

The eight liquor license actions filed since March 23 include four against bars in Burlington — the Beer Tent, the Crazy Coyote, the Paddlewheel Lounge and Summer Street Station. Other bars charged last week include Larry Bob’s Oasis in Davenport, My Sister’s Place in Carlisle, Packers Inn in Waterloo and Pit Row Sports Bar & Grill in Eddyville.

“Liquor license holders are obligated to obey all Iowa laws as a condition of their privilege to hold a license,” Miller said. “We are determined to enforce this new law — because it is the law, and because it saves lives.”

Miller praised Iowa businesses for overwhelmingly complying with the new law. He said that of over 82,000 businesses in the state, the State Department of Public Health has received complaints against only 917 — about 1 percent. 

Attorney General’s Office, on behalf of the Department of Public Safety, has filed 38 administrative hearing complaints with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division since the law took effect, seeking to suspend the liquor licenses of businesses for violating the Smokefree Air Act.

Go to Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division Web site for detailed information on Iowa’s Smokefree Air Act, including status of enforcement actions and links to documents.



Smokefree liquor license actions as of April 1.



• Appanoose County

Alibi’s in Centerville is awaiting pending potential settlement.

Gordie's Bar & Grill in Centerville is awaiting decision of Administrative Law Judge following hearing.

T. McGill's in Moulton is awaiting pending potential settlement. 

• Wapello County

The Keg in Ottumwa settled with agreement to pay $1,000 and will serve seven-day suspension beginning May 13.

Smokin Jo's in Ottumwa is awaiting Administrative Law Judge decision following hearing.

Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 775 in Ottumwa is awaiting Administrative Law Judge decision following hearing.

Vine Street Nugget in Ottumwa has a pending hearing before Administrative Law Judge.

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