From a rocky start, the Indiana General Assembly has settled into a more contemplative, polite and even productive mode in the second half of its session.Beer groups try again on Sunday sales
Next year, the Indiana General Assembly will address two major issues – really, the only ones they legally must address: A new state budget and the redistricting of the legislative and U.S. House districts.
With school finances, political control and state spending all on the table, debate has already begun on an issue that advocates on both sides seem to believe is of all importance: Beer.
Once again, the supermarkets and drug stores – under the label of “The Alliance of Responsible Alcohol Retailers” – are pushing for Sunday carryout sales. And this year, they’re also trying harder for permission to sell cold beer at any retail outlet allowed to sell the suds.
The cold beer idea is likely a non-starter – lawmakers are unlikely to give gas station/convenience stores the legal right to sell cold beer to motorists. The Sunday sales raise interesting questions, primarily regarding whether it’s better not to expand alcohol sales or allow people to take alcohol home on a day when they can drink in bars and restaurants.
But, again, this is a battle brewing between the liquor stores and other retailers, and lawmakers have more important issues to address.
