Alcohol & Tobacco Licenses
Tobacco License
For businesses located in the unincorporated areas of Shelby County seeking to apply for a retail Tobacco License. Click the link below to download the pdf application for a Tobacco License. After completing the license application you must mail the completed form along with payment to the Shelby County Auditor's Office, 612 Court Street, Harlan, Iowa 51537. Completed applications will be reviewed and considered by the Shelby County Board of Supervisors in a public meeting. Contact the Shelby County Auditor's Office with any further questions regarding the submission of a Tobacco License application.
Beer and Liquor License
The Department of Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) requires filing of all new and renewal applications for beer permits, liquor licenses, and corresponding payments be completed online. Please have your application filed on-line with ABD no later than fifteen days prior to the desired effective date in order for the application to be on the agenda for approval by the Shelby County Board of Supervisors (local authority). The Shelby County Board of Supervisors at 9:00 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the Supervisors Chambers of the Shelby County Courthouse.
License fees will be processed through the ABD’s electronic funds transfer (EFT) system. The payment for the total cost of the license will be deducted after the application has been processed by ABD and approved by the local authority.
The final approved license will be emailed to the applicant’s email address provided during the application process.
The Shelby County Board of Supervisors only have authority for approval of applicants located outside of incorporated city limits. Any applicant inside of an incorporated city should contact the appropriate City Clerk.
Please contact the Shelby County Auditor’s Office with any local authority questions 712-755-3831, Option 6.
Log onto the Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division’s website and click on the Licensing section and complete the online application process.
For questions or difficulties contact the ABD at (515) 281-7400.
