INDIANAPOLIS -- Happy St. Patrick's Day, Indiana convenience stores. You can continue selling beer. Six weeks after state House lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a measure that would block any c-store that did not have a permit to sell beer or wine ever to do so, the state General Assembly completed their legislative session yesterday without approving that measure.
While it did pass a bill containing numerous alcohol provisions, the one that would have limited the definition of a grocer was not included.
The liquor store industry [image-nocss] was pushing for the stringent measure, charging that c-stores represented an easy access point for minors to illegally purchase liquor.
Ironically, Scot Imus, who as executive director at the Indiana Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association (IPCA) galvanized retailers to lobby against the initiative, told CSP Daily News, the failed attempt by the liquor store industry may result in their worst fears coming true as it could spur many convenience stores to seek a permit today so their locations could be grandfathered if the GA ever takes this issue up again.
The state has issued 1,220 grocery liquor permits, of which approximately 450 are held by c-stores. That represents one-sixth of the 2,660 c-stores in the state, Imus said. Indiana ranks among the lowest in the country in drunk-driving incidents or other alcohol-fueled crime.
In early February, Imus expressed grave concerns about the measure after the House approved the bill 68 to 27 on January 30. We're in a real battle, he then said. If this is passed, you really devalue the convenience store. It makes us less attractive as an investment; it obviously hurts our business and makes us less attractive to customers.
At that point, the IPCA engaged in an aggressive informational campaign, exhorting members to lobby lawmakers and to correct what it described as distortions being presented by the liquor store industry.
We would like to thank those IPCA members who responded to our legislative alerts and made calls to their representatives on this issue, Imus said. Clearly, your voices are being heard.
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