By a vote of 47-1, Stephen Larson was confirmed by the Iowa Senate to a third term as the administrator of the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division. His four-year term will begin on May 1, 2018.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to continue serving the people of Iowa in my role as administrator of the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division,” Larson said. “I look forward to working over the next four years to create a level market playing field for our industry stakeholders, and ensuring that the health, safety and welfare of Iowans is maintained in matters related to the manufacture, distribution and sale of alcohol.”
Larson announced that the key initiatives of his next term would be demonstrating ongoing improvement in the distribution of spirits to over 1,500 customers serviced by the Division; consulting with stakeholders on ways to improve the Iowa liquor wholesale model and the alcohol licensing process; and maintaining the alcohol regulatory framework known as the three-tier system.
Larson was first appointed in 2010 by Governor Chet Culver. He was reappointed in 2014 by Governor Terry Branstad and in 2018 by Governor Kim Reynolds.
Since becoming administrator, Larson has overseen year-over-year increases in profits generated by the Division that have resulted in over $784 million transferred to the state’s General Fund.
He also reactivated the Division’s regulatory compliance program, which had been dormant for a number of years prior to his arrival. The program was nationally recognized in 2017 when the Division received the Best Trade/Licensee Education Program Award from Stateways magazine for regulatory efforts made in conjunction with the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI).
Larson is a West Burlington native. He graduated with honors from William Penn University in Oskaloosa with a B.A. in Business Administration. He has been in public service since 1984. He currently resides in Polk City with his wife, Jane. He has two sons and is the proud grandfather of two granddaughters.
