Indiana Retailers Push for Change in Alcohol Laws

A new panel has started looking into the state’s liquor regulations.

August 28, 2017

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana convenience stores have been pestering the legislature to revise the state’s alcohol laws for years, and have finally gained some forward motion, the Tribune Star reports. The Indiana General Assembly created a two-year legislative study commission to examine liquor regulations.

In Indiana, drug stores, supermarkets and convenience stores can only sell warm beer, while package liquor stores can sell cold beer. “We believe it’s time to end the outdated prohibition,” said Matt Norris with the Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association.

In March, Ricker’s began selling cold beer at two locations that also sold fresh, made-to-order food after obtaining a permit under a restaurant liquor license. That pushed legislators to close the loophole that allowed Ricker’s to lawfully receive such a permit.

Ricker’s isn’t the only convenience store that wants to sell cold beer. Earlier this summer, retailers launched the “Chill Indiana” campaign to convince lawmakers to change the regulations. In response to the Ricker’s fiasco, the committee’s first piece of business is to examine retail permits, with a report deadline of November 1.

Grapevine Cottage, a gourmet food and wine shop, operates under a grocery store license, which has created friction with package liquor outlets. “We’ve been under constant attack by package liquor stores in the state the entire 18 years we’ve been open,” said owner Doug Pendleton. He would like to see a beer and wine permit for shops such as his.

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