Recently, the Iowa Alcohol Beverage Division (ABD) issued a press release that discussed alcohol sales and licensing trends impacted by COVID-19. According to the ABD, the months of March and April saw an increase in sales over the same months in 2019. Annual liquor licensing remains stable, but they have seen a decrease in special event licensing during this time. The increases in sales were thought to be due to changes in consumer behavior due to COVID-19. Iowans appeared to shift to purchasing liquor by the bottle for at-home consumption. The ABD states that they can’t be certain, however, that a rise in sales represents an increase in personal consumption. They and Sieda urge all Iowans to consume alcohol in a responsible manner.

More information can be found at https://abd.iowa.gov/press-release/2020-05-18/liquor-sales-alcohol-licensing-trends-impacted-covid-19.

Our Sieda Behavioral Health & Treatment Services can provide support and help at 641-683-6747.