If you're new to living (and drinking) in Indiana, the laws might differ from your last home state. Indiana's alcohol laws have changed a few times over the years — most recently this year, when the happy hour ban was lifted.
Here's what to know about Indiana's alcohol laws as of 2024.
Can you buy alcohol on Sunday in Indiana?
Yes, but only during certain hours at stores.
Restaurants or bars can serve drinks (beer, wine and co*cktails) from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m., but if you are planning to purchase at a liquor, grocery or convenience store on a Sunday, you can only purchase it between noon and 8 p.m.
You used to be unable to purchase alcohol in Indiana on Sundays, but a law passed in 2018 changed that.
Happy hour in Indiana:After 40-year ban, Hoosiers celebrate return of happy hour
Why was it illegal to buy beer on Sunday in Indiana?
Banning alcohol sales on Sunday dates back to Prohibition-era blue laws in which religious groups sought to reserve the day for worship. However, Indiana's Sunday banlingered for years due mostly to economic reasons, with religious objections rarely being part of the debate.
The biggest roadblock had been the liquor store industry, which sought to protect its market share from groceries, pharmacies and big box stores.
WithSunday the second busiest grocery shopping day of the week, liquor stores were worried they would lose sales if the public stocks up on their regular Sunday trips to Target.Liquor stores have also objected to the added costs of staffing on Sundays. Finally, some anti-alcohol organizations just don't want to give consumers another day to buy alcohol.
When did it become legal to buy alcohol on Sunday in Indiana?
On March 4, 2018, for the first time, Hoosiers were able to buy beer (and other alcoholic products) fromliquor stores, groceries, pharmacies and convenience stores from noon to 8 p.m.
What time of day can you purchase alcohol in Indiana?
State law permits the sale of alcohol at restaurants and bars from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday through Saturday.
The only exception is if you are buying liquor and carrying it out on Sunday, you can only do so from noon to 8 p.m. from all grocery, liquor and convenience stores.
Can you buy cold beer for carryout in Indiana?
Yes, but only at liquor stores.
Grocery stores, convenience stores and pharmacies are not allowed to sell cold beer. This is another rule liquor stores have objected to changing over the years as it sets their business apart from other retailers.
What states allow liquor sales in grocery stores?
Only four states, Alaska, Delaware, Maryland and Rhode Island, do not permit grocery stores to sell alcohol at all. Most states have their own rules on what types of alcohol can be purchased in grocery stores.
Some allow beer and wine, others only allow beer and all hard liquor must be purchased at liquor stores.
Indiana is one of only 21 states that allow the sale of hard liquor outside of liquor stores.
What is the open container law in Indiana?
Indiana has no restrictions on the open carrying of alcohol in public spaces. Patrons are allowed to carry an alcoholic beverage in its original container out of a premise and consume it on the sidewalks, unless it's against a local ordinance.However, the premise may not allow drinks to be carried out as part of its policy.
People in motor vehicles are not permitted to have an open container unless you're paying for a ride in vehicles such as a cab, Uber, etc. or in the living quarters of an recreational vehicle.
Can you buy alcohol on Election Day?
Yes. The law banning alcohol sales while the polls were open was changed in 2010, and was put into practice for the first time during the 2012 election.
Can you buy alcohol on Christmas Day?
Yes; stores and restaurants that are open on Christmas Day are allowed to sell liquor.
The law banning alcohol sales on Christmas Day was changed in 2015and was first allowed Dec. 25, 2015. The Sunday time period rule does apply if the holiday falls on a Sunday.
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Is happy hour illegal in Indiana?
Not anymore. As of July 1, 2024, the happy hour ban was lifted.
Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a new law that repealed the 40-year-old ban on discount drinks during specified hours, a measure that arose in the 1980s amid a public push against drunk driving.
House Enrolled Act 1086also gives restaurants the ability to sell in-house co*cktails to-go ― a nod to the post-COVID-19 business world in which they now operate.
More:Gov. Holcomb signs law repealing 40-year-old 'happy hour' ban in Indiana
Reminders about alcohol consumption
- The legal drinking age in the United States is 21 years old or older.
- Minors should know that it is illegal to knowingly possess or consume alcohol or transport alcohol on a public highway when not accompanied by at least one of his or her parents or guardians.
- Indiana law requires permittees and their employees to check identification of any person younger than 40 when conducting carryout sales.
- Alcohol is a controlled substance. Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
Isabela Butera contributed to this report.
Katie Wiseman is a trending news reporter at IndyStar. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @itskatiewiseman.
