If a licensee files an appeal of a local authority action, an appeal hearing is held in the division's central offices, located in Ankeny, Iowa. Appeal hearings are heard by an administrative law judge from the Department of Inspections and Appeals. The appeal hearing provides licensees with an opportunity to demonstrate that they comply with all the lawful requirements for holding an alcoholic beverages license. Licensees may represent themselves or hire an attorney at their own expense. The parties may call witnesses, make arguments and introduce evidence.
Hearings are open to the public and are tape recorded.
Following the appeal hearing, the administrative law judge will issue a proposed decision. The proposed decision will be in writing and will be forwarded to all interested parties by mail. Disapproved License Applications - Affirm or reverse the local authority's disapproval of the alcoholic beverages license application. The proposed decision becomes a final decision unless a request for review is filed with the division administrator. A licensee who objects to the proposed decision may request the division administrator to review the decision.