INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana General Assembly passed a bill Friday that would close the “cold-beer loophole" used by the owner of Ricker’s convenience stores.

Two of Ricker’s gas stations received alcohol permits after they opened restaurants on their property in Sheridan and Columbus.

“Our industry, if it’s going to survive long term… needs to ramp up the food offering,” said owner Jay Rickers previously. “We’ve remodeled 17 of our stores where we have the space to accommodate a restaurant.”

Because of those remodels, Rickers said they were able to apply for liquor licenses at two of their locations. After a few tweaks to those restaurants, the licenses were approved.

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The House approved the bill on an 84-13 vote. The measure passed the Senate on a 43-1 vote.

The bill was passed on the Gov. Eric Holcomb for final approval.

Chairman of Ricker’s convenience stores, Jay Ricker, released the following statement following the bill’s passing: