Comment on Iowa regulators step up enforcement of COVID-19 rules at bars and restaurants

DES MOINES — After a slow start, Iowa regulators have stepped up their enforcement of public health orders on requirements for bars and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic, state records show.Earlier this fall, hundreds of complaints were filed but only two actions were taken in the first month after state agencies announced a plan to crack down on bars and restaurants that violate the governor’s orders.Over three months from August through October, however, the state issued two dozen citations for COVID-19 policy infractions, state records show.A spokesman for the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, the agency primarily responsible for enforcement of regulations governing restaurants and bars, said the agency has received roughly 650 COVID-19-related complaints, completed more than 2,500 inspections and opened 59 cases.“ABD continues to conduct inspections and investigations, when warranted,” agency spokesman Jake Holmes said in an emailed response to questions.