28 Feb Sunday Alcohol Sales Now the Law in Indiana
by Indiana On Tap editorial staff
On March 4th, 2018, carry out alcohol sales from grocery and liquor stores, pharmacies, as well as restaurants will become legal in Indiana. Not for the first time since Prohibition… for the first time ever. Usually bills signed into law in Indiana go into effect the following July 1, but a special amendment was passed for Senate enrolled Act 1 to allow for immediate enactment. Sales will be allowed from noon – 8pm on Sundays.
In addition to big box store sales, the new law will mean something to many breweries as well. Previous to this new way of doing things, brewery taprooms were not allowed to make Sunday growler, crowler, bottle or can sales if beer was not fermented on site. Many breweries fermented beer in barrels or installed a small batch system on site to meet the letter of the law, but this will no longer be necessary.
The bill was signed Wednesday afternoon, February 28, 2018 in the presence of several industry people and legislators that had previously been opposed to the bill. The ceremony was streamed on the governor’s Facebook page. After clearing the hurdle of House and Senate special committees, the legislation was passed in the Indiana senate 38-10 last week, just two days after being passed in the House.
Liquor stores have anticipated the change since last year when the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers and the Indiana Retail Council rescinded their opposition to the bill and announced they would act as sponsors. Therefore, many stores have prepared to have trained and licensed staff available. Perhaps the hardest part will be convincing employees to work on Sundays after so many years of having that day off.
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