Bill to lift Sunday alcohol sales ban has fewer store rules

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A proposal to lift Indiana’s ban on Sunday carryout alcohol sales would impose fewer new restrictions on grocery stores and pharmacies than a bill that failed in the Legislature last year.

The bill represents a new attempt by Indiana House Public Policy Chairman Tom Dermody of LaPorte to end the state’s status as having the country’s last statewide “blue law” prohibiting Sunday alcohol sales.

The new proposal would require groceries and pharmacies to keep alcohol in a separate area or limit alcohol displays to a single store section that’s not adjacent to areas with items such as toys, candy or school supplies.

Retail stores opposed Dermody’s bill last year that would’ve required beer and wine be kept in designated areas and liquor behind a counter.