Indiana C- Stores Continue Fight to Sell Cold Beer

Convenience store association appeals ruling that upheld state monopoly on cold beer sales.

July 17, 2014

INDIANAPOLIS – Following a federal judge’s ruling last month which allows liquor stores to continue to have a monopoly on the sale of cold beer in Indiana, a convenience store group isn’t giving up the fight to change state law.

Earlier this week, the Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (IPCA) announced that it has filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, as well as a related lawsuit in Marion County.

IPCA’s appeal argues that there is “no rational basis to allow liquor stores to hold a monopoly on cold beer, particularly when their compliance rate with Indiana alcohol laws is so poor.” The lawsuit contends that Indiana’s alcohol law regarding cold beer violates the state constitution.

“Our members and the public understand Indiana’s alcohol laws lack common-sense and we are asking the state and federal courts to put an end to this,” said IPCA Executive Director Scot Imus in announcing the appeal. “It is clear the monopoly liquor stores have limits consumer choice and hurts the growth of our state’s economy.”

Longtime state law in Indiana allows convenience stores, grocery stores and pharmacies to only sell warm beer.

The Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers (IABR), which represents liquor store owners, supports the current law and claims that by changing it, many stores would be forced to go out of business.  The group contends that grocery, convenience and pharmacy stores don’t have age restrictions on who can enter and their clerks aren’t required to have liquor licenses.

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