Indiana’s booze commission unlikely to call for big reforms

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A state task force conducting an in-depth review of Indiana’s alcohol laws is likely to conclude its two-year study without recommending major reforms.

The (Northwest Indiana) Times reports that the Alcohol Revision Commission hashed out preliminary recommendations Friday that it will make to the state Legislature.

They will likely to include tinkering with the population-based alcohol sales permit quota system. That would give restaurants in growing communities the opportunity to secure permits — even when the local resident count normally would not justify it.

The commission also is likely to recommend tougher penalties for alcohol retailers who sell to minors.

It is not expected to take a position on whether Indiana should allow retailers, other than package liquor stores, to sell cold beer.