EDITORIAL: Take the next step on Hoosier liquor laws

Consumers are happy they no longer have to drive to Illinois to buy a six-pack or bottle for Sunday games or celebrations. Hoosier retailers aren't forced to stare longingly at an exodus of customers, turned away by "No Sunday Sales" signs in store liquor aisles.

A month ago, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a new law allowing Sunday retail alcohol sales from noon to 8 p.m. on each seventh day.

Our Region could hear the collective corks popping all the way from Indianapolis.

Now it's time to complete the toast.

Sunday alcohol sales should run through the entire business day, not just the eight-hour window created by the law.

It's progress that Indiana no longer holds the distinction as the only state prohibiting all retail alcohol sales on Sundays.

Overwhelming public support made the decision an easy one for lawmakers. That support, and the benefits the Hoosier state is reaping from the law change, should create enough momentum toward a law with a longer time window for Sunday sales.

Also left on the table by the Indiana Legislature this year was the concept of allowing cold beer sales at retail businesses other than liquor stores.

It's nonsensical that liquor stores alone should hold the keys to the beer cooler.

The Legislature has the summer and fall seasons of 2018 to roll out the final barrels of what Indiana liquor laws should look like in the end.1