Statewide coalition launched to support Sunday sales of adult beverages in Indiana
(INDIANAPOLIS) December 2, 2014 – Hoosiers for Sunday Sales, a coalition of consumers and retailers from across Indiana, launched a campaign today in support of legislation to change Indiana law to permit the sales of adult beverages on Sundays in drug, grocery, liquor and convenience stores. The coalition rollout follows a recent poll showing that a majority of Hoosier consumers believe that state law should be changed to legalize Sunday alcohol sales at retail stores.
“This is about consumer choice and convenience,” said Grant Monahan, executive director of the Indiana Retail Council. “It makes no sense that Hoosier consumers can buy adult beverages at a store six days a week, but not on Sunday. All of our surrounding states allow consumers this basic freedom and it’s time that Indiana modernizes our laws to fit the 21st century.”
A new website, www.hoosiersforsundaysales.com gives visitors the ability to sign an online petition to Indiana legislators in support of Sunday sales legislation. The website will also be used to inform consumers on how they can contact their legislators and stay updated on progress made during the legislative process.
“This is an issue whose time has come,” said Indianapolis business owner and Hoosiers for Sunday Sales member Josh Gonzales. “Consumers shouldn’t be inconvenienced by laws that don’t make any sense. Our lawmakers have an opportunity to update our laws and give consumers greater choice on something that is pretty basic.”
Indiana is the only state that allows sales by the drink at bars, restaurants and sports venues yet prohibits carryout sales for consumption at home. Only 12 states continue to prohibit Sunday carryout alcohol sales and all states bordering Indiana currently permit it. At least 16 states have repealed laws restricting alcohol sales on Sundays since 2002.
Hoosiers for Sunday Sales has already gained the support of consumer and business groups including the Indiana Manufacturers Association and Indiana Chamber of Commerce in addition to businesses employing thousands of Hoosiers.
“The time has come for Indiana to shed Prohibition-era rules,” said Cam Carter, Indiana Chamber of Commerce vice president for economic development, small business and federal relations. “Indiana loses millions of dollars in tax revenue every year when Hoosiers cross into bordering states on Sunday to buy something they should be able to responsibly and legally buy in Indiana.”