By law, you can't buy liquor in Indiana on Sunday. Some lawmakers say it's time to ditch the state's blue law but liquor stores aren't necessarily on board with the idea.
Steve Holt picked up some beer on Saturday for a party. He can't buy it Sunday in Indiana, but likes the idea of being able to do just that. "In Indiana I think that would be beneficial." Some lawmakers like the idea too. That's why two bills have been introduced this legislative session to allow Sunday alcohol sales in Indiana. Holt said it'd be beneficial for two reasons. "Not just for the people that want it on Sundays but it would keep the money in Indiana instead of everyone going to Michigan," said Holt.
But liquor stores don't see it that way. Rodino Liquor has been in AJ Rodino's family for 56 years.
He said Sunday alcohol sales will hurt businesses like his. "What it is going to do is put a quarter of all liquor stores out of business. It's just going to dilute the sales throughout the week. I don't think it's going to entice people to buy anymore," said Rodino.
Holt, on the other hand, thinks Sunday sales could help business. "Being in the retail business I think it would add to their overall cause they would have one more day of actually taking in revenue."
But Rodino says he knows from experience, an extra day of sales doesn't mean he'll make more money. "Just recently in the last few years they ok'd selling on New Years Day and for us that New Years Eve week to the end of the week the sales are the same, it's just diluted. We'd get a little bit of business but no big deal, no big increase," said Rodino. Still shoppers like Steve Holt said Sunday alcohol sales would be convenient.
Rodino said if Indiana lawmakers follow other states and by limiting Sunday sales of hard liquor and wine to JUST liquor stores he would consider that a good trade off.
