Liquor lobbyists whine; legislators listen

Long-standing policy doesn’t always translate to logical policy in Indiana, particularly as it relates to our ridiculously restrictive alcohol laws.

Yes, we have lawmakers spending a portion of this legislative session arguing about whether a convenience store owner should be permitted to sell cold beer — even though he’s been approved by the state’s alcohol-control agency to do so.

The Indiana-based Ricker’s convenience store chain recently began selling cold beer at stores in Columbus and Sheridan. Jay Ricker, head of the family-owned business, obtained alcohol permits typically assigned to restaurants. When House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, and Senate President David Long, R-Fort Wayne, found out about the sales, they vowed to close the loophole.

“It goes against long-term state policy,” Long said.

Read more: http://www.indystar.com/story/opinion/columnists/suzette-hackney/2017/04/07/hackney-liquor-lobbyists-whine-legislators-listen/100170144/