Indiana Republican Senator Phil Boots of Crawfordsville is going to try to end Indiana’s ban on Sunday carryout alcohol sales in the upcoming legislative session.
The Senator is arguing that Sunday alcohol sales would help Indiana’s economy and any chance to increase revenue in Indiana should be considered. However, one study shows that changes in alcohol regulations between 1980 and 2007 found there was little fiscal impact.
We asked Paula McMahon, owner of Knox Liquors, whether or not she is in favor of alcohol sales on Sunday:
“I am against it and so is the Indiana Liquor Association,” replied McMahon. “I know the legislators are wanting it because of revenue loss. I really don’t think the revenue loss will gain anything over what it is because the people are going where they’re going on Sundays and they’re going to continue to do it. It’s probably cheaper where they’re going than what it would be in the state of Indiana. I think this will cause more problems than good. I don’t think it’s going to do anything for sales and I know if they pass it, this store will not be open on Sundays.”
The proposal in the past has faced opposition from many liquor store owners, in part because they believe any business gained would be canceled out by additional costs for being open another day.
