Stores, bars capitalize on alcohol law

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Indiana stores and bars sold alcohol to customers on Christmas for the first time in decades, after a new state law legalized the sales.

Dozens of local bars and liquor stores stayed closed despite the new law.

Big chains like CVS and Walgreens opened up, alcohol included.

Sandy Ehl and Fonza Wilson spent part of their day choosing what beer to buy at 16th Street and Meridian Street.

“It’s Christmas and a lot of people like to drink so I think it’s a good law,” Wilson said.

Early last year, Indiana State Police cited more than 100 stores for selling alcohol on Christmas.

Indiana remains the only state that keeps shops from selling cold beer and for the last 80 years, it’s been illegal for liquor stores to sell alcohol on Sundays.

Some believe lifting the Sunday ban would generate millions in sales. Some store owners fear their operation costs would skyrocket.

Next year, Christmas falls on a Sunday. Police say alcohol will be off limits at stores.

But this year, some customers like what they see.

“It’s nice to just be able to run into CVS or Walgreens and grab something last minute,” Ehl said.

Some local bars also opened up Christmas night. The owner of Tini on Mass Avenue  said he planned to stay open at least until midnight.