Sunday alcohol sales bill rejected by Indiana lawmakers

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana’s ban on Sunday carryout alcohol sales will continue now that a legislative committee has rejected a bill to legalize the sales.

The House Public Policy Committee voted 8-5 Wednesday to turn down the measure. Opponents cited concerns of giving an unfair advantage to grocery stores over smaller liquor stores.

Big-box grocery chains and liquor stores have fought for years over legalizing Sunday sales as similar proposals were made in the Legislature.

This year’s measure would have required grocery and convenience stores to place alcohol in a separate area and away from toys, school supplies and candy. It would also require grocery and convenience stores to have cashiers with state permits to ring up purchases with alcohol products, similar to how liquor store clerks currently function.