Indiana's new alcohol sales laws have left many confused about how and when and where alcohol can be purchased. Want to know where you will have to show ID each time you purchase alcohol according to a new Indiana law? Want to know when and where you can drink alcohol on Sundays under another new Indiana law? Read the following information to find out--stay legal -stay SAFE!
The State of Indiana recently passed new alcohol laws that address two things: Requiring an ID for persons buying alcohol at "carryouts" and sales of alcohol on Sundays. Under Indiana Code § 7.1-2-10-23, any establishment that is licensed to sell alcohol to be consumed off the licensed premises must check the ID of every person wishing to buy alcohol. For example, restaurants and local carryouts are both licensed to sell alcohol. However, these establishments differ in that you consume the alcohol you purchase at a restaurant inside the restaurant. At a "carryout," you buy the alcohol from the carryout and consume it somewhere other than where it was purchased. Thus, where you have to show an ID every time you purchase alcohol depends on where the alcohol was actually purchased! So where does your ID have to be checked every time your purchase alcohol? Liquor stores, grocery stores, gas stations, alcohol drive-thrus, and other carryout-type places. Who does not have to check your ID every time you purchase alcohol if you appear to be over 21 years old? Restaurants and bars. However, if you reasonably appear to be 50 years of age or older there is a good chance you will not be carded at establishments that otherwise are required to check your ID each time your purchase alcohol. According to the new law, a liquor-selling establishment may raise a valid defense if it can show that the person purchasing the alcohol reasonably appeared to be 50 years of age or older.
Under another new Indiana law, it is now legal to sell alcohol on Sundays from 7 a.m. until 3 a.m. on Monday morning. This law applies only where the alcohol is consumed on the premises where purchased (see Indiana Code § 7.1-3-1-14). Thus, it is still illegal to sell alcohol on Sunday by any establishment where the alcohol purchased is not consumed on the premises. So you will be able to purchase alcohol at a restaurant or bar on Sunday, but will not be allowed to purchase alcohol from a liquor store, grocery store, drive-thru, or any other carryout. The main reason for allowing bars and restaurants to sell alcohol on Sundays, while restricting carryouts from doing the same, is to increase business when the city hosts major events (e.g., the Final Four, Superbowl, Colts Sunday night games).
Now that you know about these new laws, don't forget about one of the most important alcohol laws of them all: DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. Please use good judgment and act responsibly any time you drink alcohol to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you!
