Judge Says ‘No’ To Cold Beer In Indiana Grocery Stores

A federal judge shot down a lawsuit which aimed to allow sales of cold beer in Indiana’s convenience stores and supermarkets.

There was a glimmer of hope for Indiana residents when the Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (IPCA) filed a lawsuit to challenge the state’s current law which prohibits the sale of cold beer and alcohol beverages by convenience stores and supermarkets. However, this ray of hope soon faded into darkness when a federal judge threw out the lawsuit.

Chief Judge Richard Young submitted the 34-page order just two weeks ago, essentially upholding Indiana’s current law which prohibits the sale of cold beer by grocery stores and supermarkets.

Under the state’s current law, only liquor stores are allowed to sell packaged cold or chilled beer. Gas stations, convenience stores, supermarkets, etc. must sell their beer and alcoholic beverages at “room temperature,” leaving many Indiana residents asking the question why.

So, what’s the reasoning behind Indiana’s ban on the sale of cold beer by convenience stores and supermarkets? It’s unclear exactly why this law was passed in the first place, but opponents claim its discriminatory and unfair. John Maley, Barnes & Thornburg LLP partner, whom represents the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, noted that Indiana is the only state that can sell beer based on temperature.

Of course, Indiana’s cold beer ban is beneficial to the state’s restaurants and eateries. By prohibiting convenience stores and supermarkets from selling cold beer, lawmakers are essentially encouraging residents to seek cold beer from restaurants.

“Our members and Hoosiers are disappointed that the court did not rule to end an irrational, discriminatory and outdated law,” said Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (IPCA) Executive Director Scot Imus. “There is wide-support to modernize Indiana’s alcohol laws, and we will continue to fight for fairness in the marketplace.”

 

The Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers supports the state’s current law, reiterating the fact that convenience stores and supermarkets do not have the same age requirements laws as liquor stores. For instance, liquor stores are required by law to prohibit entry to anyone under the age of 21, whereas anyone, regardless of age, can enter a supermarket or convenience store.

Is this the end of the road for opponents of Indiana’s peculiar ban on sales of cold beer? Assuming the IPCA has been pushing for reform for nearly 5 years, it’s highly unlikely they will throw in the towel just yet.

What do you think about Indiana’s ban on cold beer sales? Let us know in the comments section below!