Indiana libertarians hoping to revamp state liquor laws – WANE

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WANE) As Indiana Democrats and Republicans get ready to study liquor laws, another party is hoping the debate will spark change heading into 2018.

This weekend, the Libertarian Party in Bartholomew and Johnson counties will host a Drink In at Rickers Gas Station in Columbus. Organizers hope the event will draw attention to whats happened to the gas company over the past couple of months.

In November, Rickers received a restaurant liquor license after it opened a made-to-order food section. Because of this, the gas station was able to sell cold beer carryout.

A lot of people are like, Howd they find a loophole, around that? Its a gas station, how are they selling cold beer, Columbus resident Dakota Kerns said.

But the excitement faded in April as Indiana lawmakers passed a bill to close the loophole. Rickers will be allowed to sell cold beer carryout until next year, but local Libertarian members dont think thats good enough.

The state government moved the goal post on this specific business, Bartholomew County Libertarian Party Vice Chair Clyde Myers said.

This is why the group is hosting the event inside the store.

Were just hoping everyone will come out and have a beer with us, and show their support for freedom of choice, Myers said.

Theres been a lot of attention on the states liquor laws this week, and not just because of this upcoming Drink In.

On Monday, the Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association released a study showing 70 percent of Hoosiers support cold beer sales, and another 65 percent want to see it sold on Sunday.

Numbers Myers said could give his county party a 2018 platform. Were hoping we can make them aware that most Hoosiers support freedom of choice, Myers said. That they support free, and fair and open competition.

State lawmakers said they are aware, which is why theyre conducting a study. Its expected to last a couple years.

Which could mean Myers might be having a lot more burritos and beer as he prepares to take a stand he never saw coming.

No, I did not, but Im all for it, Myers said. Its going to be a good time.

The county Libertarian event will take place at the Columbus gas station this Sunday at 3 p.m. As for state leaders, were expected to find out soon when theyll begin their two year study looking at liquor laws.

Nick is WANEs Indiana Chief Political Bureau reporter. Follow Nick Natario on Twitter at @NNatario.

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Indiana libertarians hoping to revamp state liquor laws - WANE