Hoosiers for Beverage Choices Promoting Sunday Sales

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INDIANAPOLIS -- Hoosiers for Beverage Choices (HBC) is asking consumers to declare their beverage independence by joining the effort to modernize Indiana's alcoholic beverage laws. Hoosiers for Beverage Choices is a statewide effort that seeks to change Indiana's antiquated liquor laws to give Hoosiers more choice and convenience in how and where they purchase alcoholic beverages.

Through July 19, more than 1,000 retail locations throughout the state will promote the HBC effort to allow for Sunday carryout sales and cold beer sales at drug, grocery and convenience stores. [image-nocss] Retailers will convey the HBC message to customers through in-store displays and advertisements. Customers will also have the opportunity to join the effort by signing a petition in these stores. More than 25,000 Hoosiers have already signed the online petition atwww.beveragechoices.com since last August.

"Because alcoholic beverage issues were not discussed during the 2009 legislative session, we want to remind our supporters of our effort and also attract new members," said Grant Monahan, spokesperson for Hoosiers for Beverage Choices. "More than 25,000 Hoosiers have joined our effort, and we know that we have only scratched the surface of the support that exists in Indiana for these changes."

Indiana is one of only 15 states that still prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sunday and is one of only three states that prohibits Sunday carryout sales yet allows for sales at restaurants, taverns and sporting events. Indiana is the only state in the country that discriminates against drug, grocery and c-stores by allowing only one retail segment, package liquor stores, to sell cold beer.

This monopoly enjoyed by the liquor stores forces Indiana consumers to pay a "tax" for the privilege of purchasing cold beer, the group said. The results of a statewide price survey conducted in more than 300 communities and nearly 500 locations found that Indiana consumers pay an average surcharge of $1.07 per case for the privilege of purchasing cold beer, it added.

"Bringing about common-sense changes to Indiana's outdated liquor laws will result in lower prices, more convenience and more choices for Indiana consumers," said Matt Norris, director of Hoosiers for Beverage Choices. "The overwhelmingly positive response to the online petition demonstrates the broad support that exists in Indiana for these changes."

Retailers participating in the current membership campaign include:

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