INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Two leading voices on Indiana alcohol issues say there’s little chance lawmakers will take action allowing convenience and grocery stores to sell cold beer.
Former state Sen. Beverly Gard, who led an alcohol study commission, and Senate Public Policy Committee Chairman Ron Alting both agree the issue is a non-starter in the coming session.
The two Republicans made the comments during a legislative preview discussion Wednesday.
Selling carryout cold beer in Indiana is a right primarily afforded to clout-heavy package liquor stores, which have fervently lobbied to keep it that way.
But public opinion polling suggests the general public widely supports allowing convenience and big-box stores to sell cold — and not just warm — beer.
Gard says change isn’t likely until voters make their voice heard.
3 comments
As soon as John Q. Public can afford to bribe the politicians at a level equal to or higher than what the “clout heavy package stores” are paying there is no chance. The voice that’s heard is the one holding the most money. Given enough time Indiana is likely to bring back Prohibition if there is enough money in it for them, it worked for Joe Kennedy.
I guess the voters made their voices heard in the past so our illustrious politicians made laws so only liquor stores could sell cold beer because that is what we voters wanted for sure? What a bunch of crap! Lobbyist and paid off politicians win again! So corrupt! Right in front of us…politicians don’t care what the voter wants. We don’t give them vacations, money, cars…Lobbyist do. More of the swamp showing itself for what it is…A SWAMP!
In the business world it is “illegal” to give gifts, money…even buy dinner for a client but in government it is how laws are written. This country is so screwed up!