Ricker’s Gives Indiana Lawmakers Free Burritos

The Indiana legislature might reverse a decision that allows the c-store chain to sell cold beer at two locations.

April 06, 2017

INDIANAPOLIS – When two locations of Ricker’s convenience store started selling cold beer recently under a restaurant liquor license, some Indiana lawmakers weren’t happy, the Indianapolis Star reports. Traditionally, only package liquor stores could sell cold carryout beer.

When the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission granted the chain the two licenses, House Speaker Brian Bosma and Senate Leader David Long said the agency had no authority to do so. Then Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb sided with the agency.

Lawmakers now want to close the loophole that allowed for the issuing of those licenses, which would mean Ricker’s would have to stop selling cold beer for carryout when their licenses expire in nine months. Several other convenience stores, such as Fishtail Food Mart Café and Joan & Yogi’s One Stop, would also have to halt sales of cold beer when their licenses expire.

This week, Ricker’s brought its burrito food truck to the statehouse to give away free burritos. Owner Jay Ricker figured that lawmakers needed to experience the c-store’s foodservice for themselves before dismissing it as not like a restaurant—a claim lawmakers have made in wanting to yank the restaurant license.

Although Bosma did try a burrito, he still wasn’t convinced that convenience stores should have restaurant liquor licenses. Bosma said he will continue in his quest to not stop c-stores from selling cold beer under restaurant liquor licenses.

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