Amy Haneline

IndyStar

A bill that would allow Sunday sales at artisan distilleries, refill of containers at farm wineries and an increase in alcohol permits in Hamilton and Boone County has passed the Indiana House and Senate. The bill heads to Gov. Mike Pence. Here is a rundown of alcohol issues IndyStar is following.

Increased alcohol permits for Hamilton County

Leaders in areas undergoing redevelopment, especially in Hamilton County, say their growth has outpaced the number of liquor licenses available for its growing municipalities. They think the lack of three-way alcohol permits discourages potential restaurant openings. The opposition is concerned that simply adding permits at a set fee could devalue current permits, some that were obtained at auction at a much higher cost. They also contend that beer and wine permits are plentiful.

4 big changes to state liquor laws go to Gov. Mike Pence

The bill: House Bill 1118, now part of House Bill 1386, would allow the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission to issue additional alcohol permits for on-premises consumption of beer, wine and liquor to owners of a restaurant in redeveloping areas of Hamilton and Boone County. It will allow for new permits for growing communities of Whitestown, Lebanon, Zionsville, Westfield, Carmel and Fishers, with the total number of active permits not exceeding 24. The cost will be $40,000 per permit.

Status: The bill passed the Indiana House 63-30 and the Indiana Senate 33-17. It heads to Gov. Mike Pence for a signature.

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Sunday sales for artisan distilleries

The state passed a bill in 2013 that allows Hoosiers to operate small, artisan distilleries. There are about a dozen in the state including Hotel Tango Whiskey in Fletcher Place, Cardinal Spirits in Bloomington and Starlight Distillery, connected to Huber Winery in Starlight. Many of these distilleries are marketed as tourist attractions, and they want to sell craft spirits on Sundays.

The bill: House Bill 1274, now part of HB 1386, would allow Indiana’s artisan distilleries to sell their products for carry out on Sundays like Indiana's wineries and microbreweries. The bill would limit the amount that can be purchased to 4.5 liters — or six 750 milliliter bottles — per transaction.

Status: The bill passed the Indiana House 63-30 and the Indiana Senate 33-17. It heads to Gov. Mike Pence for a signature.

Growler refills of mead and cider

Popular mead and cider maker New Day Craft discovered this fall that it was illegally refilling growlers from its Fountain Square tasting room. State law prohibits any retailer from refilling containers with alcoholic products unless that retailer holds a microbrewery permit. New Day Craft ferments fruit and honey, therefore is technically a farm winery. New Day Craft and the like want permission to refill growlers, a service its customers grew accustomed to for several years.

The bill:HB 1386 and SB 177 would allow farm wineries to refill containers.

Status: Both bills have passed and head to Gov. Mike Pence for a signature.

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Sunday sales

The House bill that would have allowed Sunday alcohol sales failed in committee.

Sunday carry out sales have been banned in Indiana for 80 years. In a fight over market share, big-box retailers and package liquors stores have been unable to compromise, dividing lawmakers. Groceries, pharmacies and convenience stores historically have supported allowing Sunday sales, while package liquor stores traditionally resist it. Groceries and the like want to take advantage of the second busiest shopping day. But liquor stores argue unequal and stricter regulation limits their ability to compete.

Another year, another bill to allow Sunday alcohol sales falters

The bill: House Bill 1399, authored by Rep. Tom Dermody, would have allowed sales on Sundays provided that retailers meet a number of requirements — keeping displays away from toys, candy and school supplies, securing mini bottles of liquor, and requiring sales clerks to be 21 or older and receive server training.

Status: House hearing took place Jan. 20. A committee vote was conducted Jan. 27 and failed 8-5.

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Happy hours at bars and restaurants

Indiana's decades-long ban on happy hours will remain. The provision will no longer be addressed in House Bill 1386, which addresses a number of alcohol-related regulations in Indiana.

Indiana has banned happy hours for 30 years now, meaning bars and restaurants are unable to reduce the price of alcoholic beverages for a set period of time. The law was first established to reduce binge drinking and drunken driving. Restaurant owners say they would take advantage of happy hour specials in a responsible manner. However, some researchers still worry about increased alcohol abuse.

'Happy hour' law won't get a chance this year

The bill: House Bill 1386, authored by Rep. Tom Dermody, would have allowed for drink specials during part of the day and retained the part of the existing law that prohibits selling multiple drinks for the price of one. The measure was part of a larger omnibus bill.

Status: Bill was scheduled for a hearing Jan. 27. Before testimony, the happy hour issue was removed from the proposal. The ban on happy hours will remain.

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Follow IndyStar reporter Amy Haneline on Twitter and Instagram @amybhaneline, and Facebook. Call her at (317) 444-6281.