INDIANAPOLIS – A key legislative committee on Tuesday turned back efforts to allow Hoosiers to buy alcohol on Sundays at grocery stores and other retailers as well as a push to expand the number of vendors that can sell cold beer.
But Tuesday’s votes were only recommendations to the full General Assembly, which will consider the issues in the 2010 legislative session.
"It’s never over," said John Livengood, president of the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers. "But it’s a very positive step for preserving a system that serves the citizens of the state very well."
Livengood represents many of the state’s package liquor stores.
Matt Norris, director of Hoosiers for Beverage Choices, said he was disappointed by the setback but that grocery, drug and convenience stores will continue to push for the changes.
"I think we put together a solid case … and have elevated this issue," he said, noting the strength of the liquor lobby.
The Interim Study Committee on Alcoholic Beverage Issues has been working for two years to examine about a dozen issues. But it was the Sunday sales debate that has dominated the discussion.
Indiana is one of 14 states that prohibit carryout sales of alcoholic beverages on Sundays. At least 13 other states have repealed such restrictions since 2002. But restaurants, taverns, and numerous sports and community events in Indiana are allowed to sell alcohol by the drink on Sundays.
The proponents argued in favor of consumer choice and increased tax revenue for the state, presenting a petition with 35,000 supporting signatures.
But the opponents said allowing the big-box stores to sell alcohol on Sunday would put liquor stores out of business because of the increased overhead costs.
The vote against allowing Sunday sales was 7-4, with Rep. Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, supporting the status quo. Rep. Matt Bell, R-Avilla, said he didn’t have enough information either way on the public policy question.
One committee recommendation that passed unanimously was to deny efforts to expand the sale of cold beer beyond package liquor stores.
"Anytime you increase the availability of cold beer sales, you are going to increase the likelihood of drunk drivers," said Dennis Behm, owner of liquor stores in Kendallville and Columbia City who attended Tuesday’s hearing.
He also said allowing convenience, grocery and drug stores to sell cold beer would remove the last exclusive right he has as a liquor store.
Sen. Phil Boots, R-Crawfordsville, has said that regardless of the committee’s findings he will offer a bill authorizing Sunday sales and expanding cold beer sales.
On several other key issues the committee voted to:
•Approve allowing alcohol sales on Election Day following testimony about the number of Hoosiers voting early in elections, and the increasing number of special elections and referendums.
•Approve mandatory identification checks for carryout alcohol sales. This means clerks would be required to ask for photo identification with proof of age on every purchase of alcohol regardless of how old the person looks.
