Buying Beer On Thanksgiving In Indiana: What's The Deal?

Indiana's alcohol laws have been described as archaic and obsolete, at times contradictory, and often confusing. So, if you're planning a Thanksgiving get-together and want to make sure you have enough beer, it's worth checking the rules. While some states ban alcohol sales on Thanksgiving, others allow them, and some only permit the sale of beer and wine. So, can you buy beer on Thanksgiving Day in Indiana?

Indiana's alcohol laws are confusing and contradictory

The legal hours for the dispensing of alcoholic beverages in Indiana are 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. every day. However, this doesn't apply to all retailers, and some may have different hours. For example, liquor stores in Indiana are typically open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sundays.

Indiana has strict ID requirements for the purchase of alcohol. Permit holders and their employees must check the identification of anyone under the age of 40 when selling alcohol for takeout. While there is no similar ID requirement for on-site consumption, the police encourage requiring identification from anyone appearing under 26 years of age. Acceptable forms of identification include picture IDs such as a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or US government identification.

Other laws in Indiana regarding alcohol include:

• It is a criminal offense to sell or provide alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person, and the provider may face civil liabilities if death or injury occurs as a result.
• Permit premises where alcoholic beverages are consumed by the "drink" are required to have food service available at all times for at least 25 people.
• Minors (those under 21) may not transport alcohol on a public highway unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• It is unlawful for a permit holder to discriminate between purchasers by granting a price discount that is not available to all.

The complexity and contradictions of Indiana's alcohol laws can be confusing for residents and visitors alike. While alcohol is now available for purchase on most days and during extended hours, there are still many regulations in place that govern the sale and consumption of alcohol in the state. These laws are enforced by the Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission and the Excise Police, who work to ensure that alcohol is sold and consumed responsibly within the state.

Hoosiers can buy alcohol on Thanksgiving

Whether you can buy alcohol on Thanksgiving depends on the state you live in. Indiana's alcohol laws have been described as confusing and, at times, contradictory. However, Hoosiers can buy alcohol on Thanksgiving.

The legal hours for the dispensing of alcoholic beverages in Indiana are 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. every day, including Sundays and Thanksgiving. While there is no legal requirement for ID when purchasing alcohol for consumption on the premises, the Indiana Excise Police encourage requiring identification from anyone appearing under 26 years of age. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or US Government identification.

On Thanksgiving Day, some retailers will be open, while others will be closed. In 2018, Big Red Liquors, Crown Liquors, Kroger, Meijer, Payless Liquors, Target, and Walmart were open, while Sun King Brewery was closed.

To avoid disappointment, it is always best to check with individual stores or contact your state's alcohol control board for the most up-to-date information.

Alcohol sales hours are determined by state and local regulations

In other states, such as Texas, alcohol sales are prohibited on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Texas also has specific regulations for different days of the week, with grocery and convenience stores allowed to sell beer and wine from 7 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. on Saturday until 1 a.m. on Sunday. On Sundays, sales can only commence from 10 a.m. onwards. Liquor stores in Texas are also not permitted to operate on Sundays, and they must close by 9 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.

Some states, like Louisiana, Oregon, and Pennsylvania, have a mix of open and closed liquor stores on Thanksgiving Day. Louisiana and Oregon have some stores open and others closed, while Pennsylvania's state-operated liquor stores are closed, but private retailers may be open.

The regulations surrounding alcohol sales on Thanksgiving Day can be complex and vary widely by state and even by county or city. It is always a good idea to check with individual stores or contact the state's alcohol control board for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Indiana law requires ID checks for those under 40

Indiana's alcohol laws have been described as confusing, archaic, and, at times, contradictory. However, one aspect that is clear is the requirement for ID checks. Indiana law mandates that permit holders and their employees check the identification of anyone under the age of 40 when selling alcohol for carryout. This includes retailers such as liquor stores and grocery stores. 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 include picture IDs such as a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or US Government identification. It is important to remember that if there is any doubt about the customer's age, the sale should be refused. This law helps ensure that alcohol is not sold to minors and promotes responsible drinking in Indiana.

The law also sets out the legal hours for dispensing alcoholic beverages, which are 7:00 AM to 3:00 AM, Sunday through Saturday. Additionally, retailers may allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages for up to thirty minutes after the legal dispensing hours, provided that the drinks were purchased and received by the consumer before 3:00 AM. After this thirty-minute grace period, all containers that previously held alcoholic beverages must be cleared from tables, counters, bars, and other similar areas.

Indiana's alcohol laws also include various other regulations. For example, it is a criminal offense to sell or provide alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person, and providers may face civil liabilities if death or injury occurs as a result. Additionally, premises that serve alcoholic beverages by the "drink" are required to have food service available at all times for at least 25 people. This food service must include hot soups, hot sandwiches, coffee, milk, and soft drinks.

Alcohol sales are banned on Thanksgiving in some states

Alcohol sales are banned on Thanksgiving in some US states. While some states have state-operated liquor stores, others are more lenient with alcohol sales. Some states only allow beer to be sold in supermarkets, while others don't restrict the type of alcohol that can be sold.

In Texas, for example, grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine between 7 a.m. and midnight from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, sales begin at 7 a.m. and extend until 1 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Liquor stores are closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Similarly, Alabama allows the purchase of beer and wine on Thanksgiving but not liquor. In Mississippi, all spirits other than beer are banned on the holiday. In New Hampshire and North Carolina, no liquor or wine may be purchased, while in Ohio and Virginia, only beer can be sold.

On the other hand, some states like Louisiana and Oregon have a mix of open and closed liquor stores on Thanksgiving. In Pennsylvania, state-operated liquor stores are closed, but privately-owned stores may be open.

Indiana, however, does allow the sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving. Hoosiers can purchase alcohol at various liquor stores and retailers like Big Red Liquors, Crown Liquors, and Walmart, which are open on the holiday.

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