Iowa liquor license types, in plain words

Bar or restaurant, liquor, wine and beer (LC)

The holder of a class “C” retail alcohol license shall be authorized to sell alcoholic beverages to patrons by the individual drink for consumption on the premises only. However, alcoholic liquor, wine, and beer in original unopened containers may also be sold for consumption off the premises.

A bar or restaurant pouring the full bar; it may also sell sealed bottles to go.

Store, liquor, wine and beer to go (LE)

A class “E” retail alcohol license may be issued and shall authorize the holder to purchase alcoholic liquor in original unopened containers from the department only, wine from a class “A” wine permittee only, and beer from a class “A” beer permittee only; to sell alcoholic liquor, wine, and beer in original unopened containers at retail to patrons for consumption off the licensed premises; ...

A liquor store, grocery or convenience store selling sealed bottles to go.

Bar or restaurant, beer and wine only (BW)

The holder of a special class “C” retail alcohol license shall be authorized to sell wine and beer to patrons by the individual drink for consumption on the premises only.

A restaurant, cafe or event space pouring beer and wine; no spirits.

Store, wine and beer to go (LG)

A class “B” retail alcohol license may be issued and shall authorize the holder to purchase wine from a class “A” wine permittee only and beer from a class “A” beer permittee only, and to sell wine and beer in original unopened containers at retail to patrons for consumption off the licensed premises.

A grocery, gas station or convenience store selling beer and wine to go.

Iowa brewery, beer maker's permit (BAN)

Permits for the manufacture and sale, or sale, of beer shall be known as class “A” and special class “A”.

An Iowa brewery's permit to make and sell its own beer.

Charity special event permit, 36 hours at most (CE)

Upon application to the department and receipt of a charity beer, spirits, and wine special event license, an authorized nonprofit entity may conduct a charity special event subject to the requirements of this section.

A nonprofit's auction or party; valid for no more than thirty-six hours, so not a new account.

Not in the feed: nobody sells to these the way they sell to a bar or store.