INDIANAPOLIS -- Hoosiers for Beverage Choices said that within one week of the statewide coalition's website launch, www.beveragechoices.com, more than 10,000 citizens from all 92 Indiana counties signed the online petition to Indiana legislators in support of cold beer sales and Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages in drug, grocery and convenience stores.
The statewide grassroots effort by Hoosiers for Beverage Choices "hopes to modernize Indiana's outdated alcoholic beverage laws to reflect the needs of today's time-starved [image-nocss] shopper and bring convenience and price competition to the alcoholic beverage retail marketplace," the group said.
In addition to the online petition, the website provides information about Indiana's alcoholic beverage laws, offers updates on activities in other states and posts recent articles, news and opinion pieces.
"Beveragechoices.com empowers consumers to have a voice in the debate to update Indiana's alcohol laws and within one week over 10,000 Hoosiers decided to join the statewide coalition and have their voices heard," said Grant Monahan, president of the Indiana Retail Council.
"Although we are delighted in the overwhelming response, we are not surprised. A poll commissioned earlier this year showed 70% of Hoosier consumers wanted to buy cold beer from any licensed retailer and 58% of Hoosiers wanted the opportunity to buy carryout on Sundays," Monahan said. "For years retailers have heard the frustration of their customers regarding Indiana's outdated alcohol laws. Now, through the coalition's website, there is a vehicle for these voices to be heard - a place where everyday Hoosiers can stand up to the powerful special interests that have successfully defended these self-serving and archaic laws."
Hoosiers for Beverage Choices said it believes that Indiana's alcohol laws need to move into the 21st Century by promoting convenience, real choices and competitive prices, while maintaining regulations and laws that prevent minors from purchasing alcohol. Hoosiers for Beverage Choices is comprised of Indiana retailers and their customers and trade associations including the Indiana Retail Council, The Indiana Petroleum Council and The Indiana Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association.
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