Buying Beer On Sundays: Indiana's Guide To Alcohol Laws

Indiana's alcohol laws have been described as \archaic and obsolete, at times contradictory, and often confusing. The state's alcohol laws are a legacy of Prohibition, and of Prohibition's end, which allowed states to set their own rules. Indiana's laws have been tweaked over time to satisfy different groups. 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 lifted when Senate Bill 1 was signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb on February 28, 2018. Now, alcohol can be purchased in Indiana on Sundays from 12 pm to 8 pm.

Where to buy beer on Sunday 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 the end of Prohibition, which allowed states to set their own rules.

Since March 4, 2018, alcohol sales from noon to 8 pm on Sundays have been allowed in Indiana. This applies to carry-out alcohol sales from liquor stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores. Prior to this, Indiana was one of nearly a dozen US states to ban all Sunday alcohol sales outside of bars and restaurants.

On Sundays, alcohol can be purchased from breweries, wineries, and distilleries that produce the alcohol they sell. Alcohol can also be purchased by the glass in bars and restaurants from 7 am to 3 am.

Indiana's alcohol laws are enforced by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.

When you can buy beer on Sunday 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 the end of Prohibition, which allowed states to set their own rules.

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

So, when can you buy beer on Sunday in Indiana? Well, since March 4, 2018, beer and other alcoholic drinks can be purchased from liquor stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores from noon to 8 pm on Sundays.

You can also buy packaged beer or get growlers filled for carryout from a brewery that brews beer on its premises. Additionally, wine and spirits can be purchased for carryout on Sundays from wineries and artisan distilleries.

It's worth noting that 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, individual premises may not allow drinks to be carried out as part of their policy.

There are some restrictions to be aware of. Grocers, convenience stores, and pharmacies are not allowed to sell cold beer, although liquor stores may do so. Additionally, establishments that sell beverages by the "drink" must have food service for a minimum of 25 people available at all times.

Finally, while all-day drink specials are allowed in Indiana, there is a ban on happy hour. State law prohibits retailers from selling alcoholic beverages during a portion of the day for a reduced cost.

Indiana's alcohol laws

Alcohol can be sold in Indiana between 7 a.m. and 3 a.m. every day of the week. However, alcohol sales at liquor, grocery, and convenience stores are limited from noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Where Can You Buy Alcohol in Indiana?

Indiana, along with 25 other states, allows alcohol to be sold at grocery stores. Indiana also permits alcohol sales at gas stations and convenience stores.

Indiana's Open Container Law

Indiana has no restrictions on carrying alcohol in public spaces. Patrons are allowed to carry an alcoholic beverage in its original container out of a bar or restaurant and consume it on the sidewalk. However, individual establishments may have their own policies prohibiting this. People in motor vehicles are not permitted to have an open container unless the passenger is paying for the ride, such as in a cab or the living area of a recreational vehicle.

Happy Hour

Indiana bans happy hour. While bars and restaurants are allowed to offer drink specials, they are prohibited from selling alcohol at reduced prices during a specific period of the day. Businesses argue that this helps boost sales during slow times, but opponents say it encourages binge drinking.

Alcohol on Election Day and Christmas Day

Alcohol sales were banned on election day until 2010 and on Christmas Day until 2015.

Alcohol and COVID-19

In response to the pandemic, Governor Eric Holcomb relaxed policies around ordering alcoholic drinks with takeout orders. Restaurants that were only allowed to sell alcohol for on-site consumption were permitted to sell carryout drinks. These temporary provisions were made permanent in April 2021.

Indiana's Liquor Lobby

Indiana's open container law

However, there is no explicit open container law in Indiana regarding public spaces. This means that individuals are generally allowed to carry open alcoholic drinks in public and on sidewalks, as long as the drink is in its original container. Nevertheless, it's important to note that possessing alcohol in public could support probable cause for a criminal charge of public intoxication.

If a driver or passenger is found to have an open container in their possession, they can be charged with a Class C infraction, which carries a penalty of up to a $500 fine. If the passenger is paying for their ride, they are allowed to consume alcohol in the vehicle.

Additionally, Indiana has specific laws regarding open containers in vehicles and the possession of alcohol by minors. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess, consume, or transport alcohol. If a minor is found to have consumed or transported alcohol, their driving privileges can be suspended for up to one year, in addition to facing fines and jail time.

Indiana's alcohol taxes

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. Over time, Indiana legislators have made changes to satisfy different groups.

Indiana's alcohol excise tax depends on how powerful the drink is. Beer is the lowest at 11.5 cents per gallon, while distilled spirits are taxed at $2.68 per gallon. Consumers pay $2.68 per gallon, $6.37 per 9 litres, and 53 cents per 750ml bottle.

All customers who are required to pay alcohol excise taxes must file returns and submit payments electronically. Alcohol tax obligations can be submitted and paid directly through the Indiana Taxpayer Information Management Engine (INTIME).

Frequently asked questions