Iowa Grocery Industry Ass'n v. City of Des Moines

STREIT, Justice.

Arguments over government fees concerning liquor have swirled in a cocktail of political debate since the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. 1 Iowa grocers complain the administrative fees being charged by Des Moines on liquor licenses are illegal. The defendant, the City of Des Moines, appeals from the district court’s judgment declaring a municipal ordinance imposing administrative fees on liquor licenses and beer and wine permits illegal. The City claims the district court erred when it determined the Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Control Act conflicts with, and thereby preempts the…