DES MOINES - The Iowa measure that took effect last July, making it easier for convenience stores to sell liquor, has had a marginal impact on sales for the Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division (IABD), Radio Iowa reports.

According to IABD spokesperson Tonya Dusold, while the division recorded a bump in sales last year, there has been little ongoing effect.

"It hasn€™t made a huge impact overall, this is about where we expected to be. We have seen a lot of them drop off, they€™re not ordering every single week as they€™ve gotten their stock and inventory built up, unlike your grocery stores that order every single week," Dusold said.

Dusold said urban convenience stores are realizing a very modest inventory turnover, owing to stiff competition from the larger stores already selling liquor. However, in smaller towns, where there are few purchasing options, the stores are noticing increased sales.

"[I]t€™s different in a smaller town, if a convenience store is carrying liquor, they€™re probably the only one in town and you are going to see more sales out of that than you are a c-store that€™s in an urban area that€™s around grocery stores and liquor stores as well," Dusold said.

Larger metropolitan areas, including Waterloo and Des Moines, have moved to restrict the sale of alcohol at conveniences stores over concerns of how the sales might impact neighborhoods.