The Indiana Senate is hoping to attract more fine dining establishments to Schererville and Michigan City by assigning additional alcohol sale permits to both communities.
Senate Bill 89 authorizes three additional permits to sell beer, wine and liquor in Schererville, and eight new three-way permits for restaurants located in the transit development district adjacent to the South Shore Line station in downtown Michigan City.
State Sen. Dan Dernulc, R-Highland, the sponsor, said supporting economic development is one of the most important things the Senate does.
"I know in Michigan City there are several big projects happening and this will enhance that," Dernulc said.
Likewise, Dernulc said there are no available permits in Schererville, despite plenty of demand, because Indiana's population-based permit distribution system does not take into consideration whether a community is a regional restaurant destination.
The Senate approved the alcohol sale permits proposal Tuesday, 39-6. It next goes to the House.
© Copyright 2026, nwitimes.com, Munster, IN