INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Hoosiers for Beverage Choices, today
announced the launch of http://www.beveragechoices.com , a new website that
gives visitors the ability to sign an online petition to Indiana legislators
in support of cold beer sales and Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages in drug,
grocery and convenience stores.
The informative website provides information about Indiana's outdated
alcoholic beverage laws and updates on activities in other states as they
modernize their laws to reflect the needs of today's time-starved shopper.
Using the website, consumers will be able to communicate directly with members
of the General Assembly during the upcoming legislative session in support of
cold beer and Sunday sales.
The statewide grassroots effort by Hoosiers for Beverage Choices (HBC),
supports the legislative efforts of retailers throughout the state who are
committed to repealing Indiana's outdated alcohol laws. Cold beer sales and
Sunday alcohol sales in drug, grocery and convenience stores will bring
convenience and price competition to the alcoholic beverage retail
marketplace.
Another component of the retail legislative agenda is a proposal to double
permit fees for drug, grocery, convenience and liquor stores who want to sell
cold beer and sell alcoholic beverages on Sunday. Initial estimates put
additional revenue from such an increase at more than $2 million and HBC
proposes this increased revenue be dedicated to provide grant money for
alcohol education and awareness programs.
"The combined effort of Indiana's retail community and our customers
through the HBC website, http://www.beveragechoices.com , is a sensible
approach to modernize the state's alcoholic beverage laws," said Grant
Monahan, President of the Indiana Retail Council. "Sunday, the second busiest
shopping day of the week is important to shoppers while cold beer sales in
drug, grocery and convenience stores add competition to a retail segment too
long controlled by liquor store owners."
Beveragechoices.com lists specific Indiana facts regarding the sale of
alcohol and points out that Indiana is the only state in the country that
discriminates against drug, grocery and convenience store customers by only
allowing one retail segment, package liquor stores, to sell cold beer.
Indiana is also one of only three states that prohibits retailers from selling
alcohol on Sundays, yet allows restaurants, taverns and numerous sports and
community events to sell alcohol by the drink on Sunday. Indiana is one of
only 15 states that still prohibit the carry-out sale of alcoholic beverages
on Sunday.
"We are mindful of ways to make the shopping experience more convenient
for our customers," stated Monahan. "Beveragechoices.com empowers consumers
to have a voice in the debate to update Indiana's alcohol laws."
Hoosiers for Beverage Choices believes that Indiana's alcohol laws need to
move into the 21st Century by promoting convenience, real choices, and
competitive prices, while maintaining regulations and laws that prevent minors
from purchasing alcohol. Hoosiers for Beverage Choices is comprised of
Indiana retailers and their customers and trade associations including the
Indiana Retail Council, The Indiana Petroleum Council and The Indiana
Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association.
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