Alcohol Training: About

IOWA Program for Alcohol Compliance Training

Why should you participate in I-PACT?

The overall goal of I-PACT is increased voluntary compliance with the state's alcohol laws through education and enforcement. The core objective of the program is to prevent illegal sales of alcohol by educating alcohol sellers and increasing awareness of changes in Iowa's liquor laws.

What will you learn from I-PACT?

The content focuses on key identifying elements of the latest format of Iowa driver's licenses, but also includes information on the previous version of licenses and identification cards. I-PACT covers the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (Iowa Code chapter 123), valid forms of identification, and how to spot altered and fake IDs. The program focuses on preventing underage sales and sales to intoxicated patrons. Participants will learn techniques for refusing the sale of alcohol with minimal confrontation and how to legally confiscate an altered or fake ID. The training also includes regulations and tips for offsite delivery of alcohol.

Who should take the I-PACT?

All individuals who sell alcohol for on-or-off-premises consumption, as well as holders of retail alcohol licenses should take the training. However, anyone who is interested may take the training.

Make A Pact

The program asks that a Pact is made by:

  • Iowa kids not to consume alcohol products.
  • Iowa retailers not to sell alcohol to minors.
  • Iowa licensees not to serve alcohol to patrons under 21.
  • Iowa's law enforcement to enforce alcohol laws.

Civil & Criminal Penalties

Violations for illegal sales of alcohol to minors include a $500 criminal fine to the clerk, as well as a $500 civil fine to the retail establishment for the first violation. Subsequent violations can result in higher fines, license suspension or even revocation.

Certification

After successfully passing the final test, participants will receive a printable certificate of completion. The certification is valid for a period of two years. However, if an individual is cited for a sale-to-minor, the certification is revoked. The training may be taken again for recertification.

Affirmative Defense

Establishments that choose to participate in the I-PACT training are granted an affirmative defense, which may be used once in a four-year period. A business may avoid civil prosecution if an alcohol sale-to-minor violation occurs in their establishment. In order for the business to take advantage of the affirmative defense, the employee guilty of the violation must have been I-PACT certified prior to the time the offense occurred. However, the affirmative defense cannot be used if the employee sold to a minor under the age of 18. Only the business is eligible to avoid a civil penalty; the guilty employee will still be subject to a fine and their I-PACT certification will be revoked.

Begin the Training