Sunday Sales Clears House

A day after it was approved by the Indiana Senate, a bill allowing for Sunday carryout alcohol sales in the state has cleared the Indiana House. The chambers will likely take up each other’s bills next month.

The House approved the measure by a vote of 87-10. The Senate vote was 39-10. The proposal was recommended in the summer by the 17-member Alcohol Code Revision Commission.

The push for Sunday sales gained major steam in November, when the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers and the Indiana Retail Council announced they would support that measure, while opposing the expansion of the sale of cold beer. In a joint statement at the time, the organizations said the moves would enhance safety "while preserving the practices of freedom and retailing that Hoosier businesses and consumers deserve."

The Indiana General Assembly’s 10-week short session must wrap up by March 14.

Statement from Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers Chairman Jon Sinder:

“The Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers commends the Indiana House of Representatives for overwhelmingly passing House Bill 1051, a historic piece of legislation that if signed into law will allow Hoosiers to purchase alcohol for carryout on Sundays for the first time since prohibition. 

This is yet another important milestone in the legislative process and we are eager to continue working directly with legislators to make sure that this bill is ultimately signed by the Governor and become law.”