STATEHOUSE (Jan. 5, 2018) — State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette), chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Policy, today announced the committee will hear Senate Bill 1, which would legalize the Sunday sale of alcohol, and Senate Bill 26, which would expand the sale of cold beer.
SB 1, authored by Alting, would allow package liquor, grocery, convenience, and drug stores to sell alcoholic beverages for carryout on Sunday from noon until 8 p.m. It would also allow restaurants that satisfy the requirements to sell carryout to sell alcoholic beverages on Sunday.
This bill was recommended by the Alcohol Code Revision Commission, a 17-member commission composed of eight state lawmakers and nine non-lobbyist citizen members. The commission held multiple meetings during the interim and passed a final report with recommendations for the General Assembly.
“Indiana is the only state in the nation with a statewide ban on the Sunday sale of alcohol,” Alting said. “Times and public opinion on this matter have changed, and as author of SB 1, I think it is time that we make a concerted effort to pass that law here in Indiana.”
SB 26, authored by State Sen. Phil Boots (R-Crawfordsville), would allow a grocery store, convenience store or drug store to sell beer at any temperature.
“Recognizing that it is time to reevaluate Indiana’s alcohol code, I have decided to hear testimony on expanding the sale of cold beer in the Public Policy Committee for the first time ever,” Alting said. “Over the course of my time in the Senate, there have been four chairs of this committee – none of whom ever gave this type of proposal a hearing. I know, however, that not everyone shares my concerns regarding this expansion. In an attempt to balance my personal views, the views of my constituents and the best interest of the state, I believe that holding a hearing on this issue is now appropriate. As with all bills presented in my committee, I will give it a fair hearing.”
SB 1 will be heard Wednesday, Jan. 10 upon adjournment of the State of Judiciary and SB 26 will be heard Wednesday, Jan. 17 at noon. Both committees will take place in the Senate Chamber.
Click here to watch the live stream of committee.
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A high-resolution photo of State Sen. Ron Alting is available by clicking here.
Contact: Lauren Beatty, Press Secretary
Lauren.Beatty@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
