Senate Passes Bill to Allow Indy 500 Bottle Sales

The bill would create a one-day exception for Sunday alcohol sales for IMS.

A bill that would allow the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to sell commemorative bottles of wine or liquor during the Indianapolis 500 has passed the Indiana Senate. Senator Ron Alting (R-22) says the bottles would only be sold on race day at specific locations within IMS.

Senate Bill 294 would create an exception to Indiana’s ban on Sunday alcohol sales for the 100th running of the Indy 500. Under normal conditions, selling a commemorative bottle of alcohol would be illegal, since the race is held on a Sunday.

"The Indianapolis 500 is the most popular race in the world," Alting said. "Allowing IMS to design and sell a commemorative bottle celebrating the 100th running is something we can do for the fans as part of this historic event."

The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 45-5. It now moves to the House for consideration.

Last week, a measure that would have permitted Sunday alcohol sales in package liquor, grocery and drug stores did not make it out of committee.