The proposed amendments on House Bill 1624 include restricting the areas within retail stores where alcohol can be displayed and age requirements for individuals to sell alcohol.
The bill, authored by Rep. Thomas Dermody, ?R-LaPorte, chairman of the committee, provides that “a holder of an alcoholic beverage permit who is authorized by law to sell alcoholic beverages for carryout may sell alcoholic beverages for carryout on Sunday.” The authored bill proposes some time restrictions for sales.
Seventeen officials from a variety of interests across Indiana spoke either in support or in opposition of the bill and its amendments, although the number of people speaking in favor of the bill was greater.
Studies that were cited suggested that the passage of the bill would result in either no effect or a negative effect on Indiana’s economy.
Several people spoke about the necessity to regulate alcohol differently than other consumer goods.
Patrick Tamm, a representative from the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers, cited a survey in which “81 percent (of respondents) believe states should regulate alcohol because it is different from other consumer goods.”
Chairman of Indiana Association of Beverage ?Retailers Greg Bush noted the need to regulate alcohol differently from other products.
“Alcohol isn’t like any other item,” Bush said. “It is addictive in excess, it can be harmful to the person ?using it.”
Grant Monahan, a representative from the Council of State Retail Associations, voiced his support for the bill.
“Customer convenience is the best reason to pass a Sunday sales law,” Monahan said in his comments on the floor.
At this time, 12 states have laws in effect that ban the sale of alcoholic beverages for carryout on Sundays.
Matt Bell spoke on behalf of Big Red Liquors, claiming the need for responsible business practices in order to stifle any concerns for illegal alcohol use.
“Alcohol is the most used and abused drug in the United States,” Bell said. “So when we package and sell it, we have to be responsible.”
Daniel Metz
