Indiana Merchants Want Sunday Alcohol Sales

A statewide group of convenience, drug and grocery stores are attempting to change an Indiana law to allow for purchase of carryout alcohol and cold beer on Sundays.

June 30, 2010

INDIANAPOLIS - A group of retailers, including convenience, drug and grocery stores, are pushing to change an Indiana law to allow sales of carryout alcohol and cold beer on Sundays, NWI.com reports.

Currently, liquor purchased on Sundays must be consumed on-site where it was bought. Also, only package liquor stores can sell beer from a refrigerated case.

The Alliance of Responsible Alcohol Retailers, of which CVS, Meijer and Speedway are members, is urging the legislature to change Indiana??s liquor laws. Under the "Change It Indiana" initiative, the group is trying to educate residents about the state??s antiquated alcohol rules. Indiana is among only three states to forbid Sunday take-home sales of alcohol.

The coalition says the state could reap an additional $9 million annually in liquor taxes that Hoosiers currently spend crossing the border to other states to buy beer on Sundays. "As we travel across the state, Hoosiers tell us time and time again that Indiana??s alcohol laws lack common sense," said Matt Norris, director of Hoosiers for Beverage Choices. "Consumers deserve convenience, choice and competitive pricing. It's time to change it for the better."

Opponents argue that letting retailer sell alcohol on Sundays and offer cold beer would cause package liquor stores to close their doors. As of late June, more than 48,000 people have added their signatures to the group??s online petition in support of changing the state??s liquor laws.

Earlier this year, a related measure did not succeed in the General Assembly. The alliance is banking on an early start will make the next try more apt to pass during the 2011 session.

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