INDIANAPOLIS — More than 40 alcohol permits were approved Tuesday after debate in the Indiana General Assembly had postponed action on them.
The delays followed the rewriting of Indiana code by the Legislature after it was learned that two Ricker's convenience stores had legally obtained restaurant permits to sell cold carryout beer. In Indiana, only package liquor stores can sell cold carryout.
Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill passed by the Legislature that rewrote requirements for a restaurant permit. At least 60 percent of the must be consumed on premises, a stipulation that ruled out the two Ricker's licenses.
The permits on hold with the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission included 29 that were grandfathered for renewal, including a bait-and-tackle store in Liberty, a board game meeting room in Lafayette and movie theaters in Indianapolis and Crown Point. They obtained permits prior to Nov. 1, 2016, the cutoff date set by the Legislature.
Also approved Tuesday by were 14 permits that were given conditions that they could sell no carryout. Those include a nail salon in Carmel, a coin laundry in Indianapolis and a canoe rental facility in Wabash.
The Ricker's debate led to a rewriting of application forms for alcohol permits. The restrictions apply to any store that received its permit from Nov. 1, 2016, to May 14 of this year, a period that includes the issuance of both Ricker's permits.
Under new rules, there are three types of restaurant permits in which business owners could be eligible for carryout sales, commission member Marjorie Maginn said. The stipulations focus on:
• Restaurant owners issued permits prior to Nov. 1 at their current location.
• Restaurant owners given permits between Nov. 1 and May 14. They need to show that at least 60 percent of their gross retail income is from alcohol beverages consumed on premises.
• Restaurant owners issued permits after May 14. They must certify they will meet the 60 percent requirement, and six months of data must be submitted to the commission.