Indiana's Good Friday Beer Buying: What's The Deal?

Indiana's alcohol laws have been described as archaic and obsolete, at times contradictory, and often confusing. They are a legacy of Prohibition, and of the end of Prohibition, which allowed states to set their own rules. Indiana's alcohol laws are enforced by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. So, can you buy beer on Good Friday in Indiana?

Alcohol sales hours in Indiana

Indiana's alcohol laws have been described as "archaic and obsolete, at times contradictory, and often confusing". They are a legacy of Prohibition, and of Prohibition's end, which allowed states to set their own rules. Over time, Indiana legislators have made changes to the laws to satisfy different groups.

In Indiana, you can buy beer, wine, or liquor between 7 a.m. and 3 a.m. any day of the week at on-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants. Off-premise retailers, including liquor and grocery stores, can sell alcohol between 7 a.m. and 3 a.m. from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, off-premise retailers are restricted to selling alcohol between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Alcohol Sales on Good Friday in Indiana

Good Friday is a day of religious observance that falls on a different date each year, but always on a Friday before Easter. As there are no restrictions on alcohol sales for holidays in Indiana, you can buy alcohol on Good Friday between 7 a.m. and 3 a.m. at on-premise retailers, and between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. at off-premise retailers.

Indiana's alcohol laws and their legacy

Indiana's alcohol laws are a legacy of Prohibition and its end, which allowed states to set their own rules. These laws have been described as "archaic and obsolete", "contradictory", and "confusing". Over time, Indiana legislators have made changes to satisfy different groups.

The laws are enforced by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, which has been in place since 1933, following the Repeal of Prohibition.

Alcohol sales are permitted from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday through Saturday. However, on Sundays, carryout alcohol sales from liquor stores, groceries, pharmacies, and convenience stores are only allowed from noon to 8 p.m. Restaurants can serve alcohol on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.

The ban on Sunday alcohol sales dates back to Prohibition-era blue laws, which were influenced by religious groups seeking to reserve the day for worship. However, the ban remained in place for years due to economic reasons and the influence of the liquor store industry.

Indiana has no restrictions on the open carrying of alcohol in public spaces. Alcohol can be carried out of a premise in its original container and consumed on sidewalks. However, drinks may not be carried out of a premise if it goes against their policy. Open containers are not allowed in motor vehicles, except in certain cases such as paying for a ride in a cab or recreational vehicle.

The state has over 50 types of permits for the sale of alcohol, including two-way and three-way permits. The cost of a permit depends on the area's population and can be acquired through auctions or private sales.

Indiana's alcohol laws continue to be a work in progress, with legislators making changes to address the needs of different groups.

Alcohol delivery regulations

Indiana's alcohol laws have been described as "archaic and obsolete, at times contradictory, and often confusing". They are a legacy of Prohibition, and of the end of Prohibition, which allowed states to set their own rules.

Alcohol delivery is legal in Indiana, but there are a few regulations that must be followed:

• The customer must provide proof of age.
• The licensee must keep records of deliveries made.
• Deliveries can be made by certain license types, such as beer retailers, or by third parties.

Alcohol Sales Regulations

Indiana allows on-premise retailers to sell beer, wine, and liquor between 7 a.m. and 3 a.m., seven days a week. On-premise retailers include bars and restaurants. Off-premise retailers can sell alcohol during the same hours from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, they are restricted to selling alcohol between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. Off-premise retailers include liquor and grocery stores.

There are no restrictions on alcohol sales for holidays or election days.

Alcohol Consumption Regulations

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. 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 they are paying for a ride in a taxi or similar, or in the living quarters of a recreational vehicle.

Alcohol Licensing Regulations

Indiana has more than 50 types of permits for the sale of alcohol, whether it be for a liquor store or restaurant. Common permits include a two-way permit that allows for beer and wine sales, and a three-way permit that allows for beer, wine, and liquor sales. The state fee for a two-way permit is $750 and $1,000 for a three-way permit.

Alcohol Identification Regulations

Indiana law requires permittees and their employees to check the identification of any person under the age of 40 when conducting carryout sales. While there is no similar ID requirement for on-premise consumption, the Excise Police encourage requiring identification from anyone appearing under 26 years of age. Acceptable forms of identification are picture IDs, including but not limited to, a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or US Government identification.

Alcohol Taxes

Indiana has a state excise tax. Consumers pay $2.68 per gallon, $6.37 per 9L cs, and $0.53 per 750ml bottle.

Alcohol sales on Sundays

Indiana's alcohol laws have been described as "archaic and obsolete, at times contradictory, and often confusing". They are a legacy of Prohibition, and of the end of Prohibition, which allowed states to set their own rules.

Until 2018, Indiana was one of nearly a dozen US states to ban all Sunday alcohol sales outside of bars and restaurants. That ban was repealed when Senate Bill 1 was signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb on February 28, 2018.

As of March 4, 2018, Indiana residents have been allowed to purchase alcohol on Sundays. Alcohol can be sold between 7 a.m. and 3 a.m. throughout the week. However, alcohol sales at liquor, grocery, and convenience stores are limited from noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Bars and restaurants can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Sundays. If you want to buy alcohol to take home, you can buy it between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. from a liquor store.

Liquor stores and other off-premise consumption retailers are much more limited in hours on Sundays. There aren’t any restrictions on alcohol sales for holidays or election days.

Indiana, along with 25 other states, allows alcohol to be sold at grocery stores. Indiana also allows people to drink alcohol in public places. Bar and restaurant patrons can legally take their drinks with them when they leave the premises, although individual establishments may have restrictions on this practice. Those taking a cab ride or paying for a ride are also permitted to drink in the vehicle. Otherwise, open containers in vehicles are prohibited.

Alcohol sales to minors

Indiana's alcohol laws have been described as "archaic and obsolete, at times contradictory, and often confusing". They are a legacy of Prohibition, and of its end, which allowed states to set their own rules. Over time, Indiana legislators have made changes to the laws to satisfy different groups.

Indiana law prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors. It is illegal for a minor to possess or consume alcohol. This includes transporting alcohol in a car on a public road without the driver's parent in the car, regardless of whether the alcohol belongs to someone else in the car or is unopened. Minors are defined as those under 21 years of age.

It is also illegal to knowingly provide a place for minors to drink alcohol, whether or not the host provided the alcohol. It is a criminal offence to sell or furnish alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person. The provider may experience civil liabilities if death or injury, even to a third party, occurs as a result.

Indiana law requires permittees and their employees to check the identification of any person under the age of 40 when conducting carryout sales. While there is no similar ID requirement law for on-premise consumption, the Excise Police encourage requiring identification from anyone appearing under 26 years of age when making sales for on-premise consumption. Acceptable forms of identification are picture IDs, including but not limited to, a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or US Government identification.

It is illegal to lend, transfer, or sell a false ID to a minor. It is also a criminal offence for a minor to use a false ID to obtain alcohol.

Frequently asked questions