Holcomb: Sunday Sales Bill Exceeds Consumer Expectations
Top Row Left-to-Right: Senate President Pro Tempore David Long
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowWith a few pen strokes and an exclamation of "cheers," Governor Eric Holcomb marked what he calls a historic day for Indiana. Sunday carryout alcohol sales from noon-8 p.m. are now legal, ending a ban that has created years of proposed legislation that never took hold until this year. Beginning this Sunday, Hoosiers will be able to purchase package beer, wine and liquor at licensed retailers statewide any day of the week.
During a closed signing session witnessed by members of the media, Holcomb said "there is absolutely no need anymore to make a run for the border" — to Ohio, Illinois, Michigan or Kentucky — to buy alcohol on Sunday. "This is yet another example in a long list of examples where the state of Indiana has sought to, and indeed, modernized our laws to meet consumer expectation. I think we’ve not just met it, but exceeded it," he added.
Senate President Pro Tempore David Long (R-16) was among the elected officials at Wednesday’s ceremonial signing. He said the revisions put the "archaic Indiana alcohol laws in the rear-view." House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-88) added perspective to the new laws. "I’d fact-check this," he said, "but (House Public Policy Committee) Chairman Ben Smaltz (R-52) told me last year that the very first enactment by the Indiana General Assembly back in 1816 was to prohibit sales of alcohol on Sunday and it’s only taken 202 year for us to resolve that prohibition." Smaltz was the house sponsor of Senate Bill 1, which was authored by Senator Ron Alting (R-22).
Holcomb was asked whether legislation to allow cold beer sales at places other than package liquor will be next and he replied, "let’s get through Sunday first."
During a closed signing session witnessed by members of the media, Governor Eric Holcomb said “there is absolutely no need anymore to make a run for the border” — to Ohio, Illinois, Michigan or Kentucky — to buy alcohol on Sunday.