This may not come as a shock to you, but Indiana’s alcohol sales laws are a mess.
As we’ve previously written, we are the only state in the country that bans beer, wine and liquor sales on Sundays.
With that in mind, let us explore the saga of Anderson-based convenience store chain Ricker’s. As reported March 3 by CNHI Statehouse Reporter Scott L. Miley, a legal loophole allows Ricker’s to sell cold beer in two of its convenience stores, one in Columbus and the other in Sheridan.
“Ricker’s redesigned the stores to accommodate requirements for restaurants in Indiana to sell cold beer in which they must have $200,000 in annual food sales and a 25-seat capacity,” reported Miley.
So, earlier this month the Public Policy Committee voted 8-1 in favor of a bill which would close this loophole. (State Sen. Tim Lanane, D-Anderson, was the lone dissenting vote.)
Things seemed to be going along swimmingly until the Legislature tried to wade into the details.
“GOP Senate leader David Long now says it's harder to stop the sales than initially anticipated,” reported The Associated Press on Friday. “House Speaker Brian Bosma says lawmakers may be forced to allow the chain's cold beer sales to continue for a while but wants to work on closing the loophole. Both called for a summer study committee to take another look at what Bosma calls the state's ‘antiquated, outdated’ beverage laws.”
So, it looks like we’re headed back to the drawing board once again. Will we ever have a coherent alcohol sales policy? The other 49 states seem to have advanced beyond this point. Why can’t we?
Who needs a drink?