Indiana’s alcohol laws have a pretty interesting history, and they’ve changed a lot over time. You might think you need to be a lawyer to understand what’s written within the Indiana laws.
Don’t worry; we’ve read the rules (and even conversed with a local or two) to give you the answers to the golden question, “What time does Indiana stop selling alcohol?” So keep reading.
When Does Indiana Stop Selling Liquor?
Indiana’s alcohol sale hours are relatively easy to remember. They allow the sale of alcohol from 7 am until 3 am every day of the week for those of legal drinking age.
However, if you’re planning to buy carryout alcohol on Sundays, you’ll have to wait until the clock strikes noon. Yep, you can only buy alcohol from 12 pm to 8 pm on Sundays, as per the state law.
This applies to any alcoholic beverage purchased from liquor stores, groceries, pharmacies, and convenience stores.
“Indiana’s spirits flow until 3 am, sipping stories unfold.” – Liquor Laboratory
Suppose you want to consume alcohol inside the establishment you bought it from (i.e., bars and restaurants). In that case, the Sunday timing does not apply, meaning you can drink alcohol as usual (until 3 am).
Understanding Indiana New Liquor Legislation
In response to the challenges posed by COVID-19, Governor Eric Holcomb took a proactive step to support struggling bars and restaurants.
These spots were previously limited to serving drinks for on-premise consumption only, but they were also granted the power to offer carryout drinks. These temporary provisions became permanent in 2021, thanks to HB 1396. [1]
The law banning alcohol sales on Christmas Day was also lifted for the first time in 2015.
Read: When Does North Carolina Stop Selling Alcohol?
Indiana’s Alcohol Sales Policy
Monday – Saturday
From Monday to Saturday, the alcohol sales scene in Indiana follows a pretty consistent beat. On-premise retailers – think restaurants and bars – can serve alcohol from 7 am to 3 am.
The same goes for off-site sales from liquor stores during these days.
Sunday Alcohol Sales
While the Indiana liquor laws used to prohibit alcohol sales on Sunday and Christmas Day, things have changed. Now, you can enjoy your drink from 7 am to 3 am.
However, stores can only sell alcoholic beverages from 12 pm to 8 pm.
Indiana’s Sunday ban lingered mainly because anti-alcohol organizations and religious groups sought to preserve Sunday as the day of worship.
Last Call
Whether you want to buy beer at a bar or grab them to go, keep in mind that the last call is at 3 am.
Open Container Law
Now, can you have an open container as a passenger in Indiana? If you’re in an RV and paying for your ride or the living area, you can enjoy your drink without any worries. [2]
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- When Do They Stop Selling Alcohol In Oregon?
- When Do They Stop Selling Alcohol In Missouri?
Places That Sell Alcohol & Their Closing Sales Hour
Liquor Stores
The liquor store industry can sell alcohol from 7 am to 3 am, Mondays through Saturdays.
On Sundays, the alcohol laws are slightly different. You can only buy alcohol from a liquor store between 12 pm and 8 pm.
Groceries
Like liquor stores, you can buy alcohol from grocery stores from 7 am to 3 am, Monday to Saturday.
On Sundays, which many consider the second busiest grocery shopping day, the hours shift slightly. According to liquor laws, selling hours are from 12 pm to 8 pm.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies’ alcohol sale hours follow the same pattern as the Indiana law surrounding grocery stores and liquor stores.
You can buy alcohol in drug store retailers between 7 am and 3 am, Monday through Saturday, and from 12 pm to 8 pm on Sundays.
Convenience Stores
Convenience stores are always the go-to options for those who want to buy beer. They can sell beer and alcohol from 7 am to 3 am from Monday to Saturday.
However, the availability of a beer sold on Sundays is limited to 12 pm to 8 pm only.
However, here’s something interesting: purchasing cold beer at a convenience store is prohibited. A beer dealer conducting carryout sales cannot sell or deliver beer exceeding the legal limit of 25 liters in a single transaction.
Read: When Do They Stop Selling Liquor In Colorado?
Restaurants & Bars
Restaurants and bars allow you to buy beer, wine, soft drinks, and liquor every day of the week, from 7 am until 3 am the following day.
Restaurants that sell beverages must have food service, like hot sandwiches and hot soups, available at all times.
“Every beer tells a story, and every brewery writes a chapter.” – Anonymous
Gas stations, breweries, and taprooms also have their own unique schedules for alcohol sales. It’s worth noting that gas stations, unlike other locations, cannot sell cold beer, and breweries can only sell alcohol of their own creations.
They can also sell beer at trade shows and similar back-door events.
FAQs Related to What Time Does Indiana Stop Selling Alcohol?
How late can you buy alcohol in Indiana today?
You can buy alcohol until 3 am in Indiana. However, Sunday sales for carryout beer, wine, and other alcohol are limited from 12 pm to 8 pm.
Can you buy cold beers at a gas station in Indiana?
No, you cannot buy cold beers at gas stations in Indiana. However, this is not to say that they don’t sell beer at all – they sell them at room temperature.
A Senate bill was introduced to permit cold beer sales in grocery and convenience stores, although there have been no recent developments on the matter.
Can a minor sit at a bar in Indiana?
Minors are generally not allowed to sit at a bar in Indiana. However, if a parent or legal guardian accompanies them, they may be allowed to do so.
What time does Walmart stop selling liquor on Sundays in Indiana?
Walmart stores in Indiana stop selling liquor at 8 pm on Sundays. Walmart must adhere to the Indiana state law regarding Sunday carryout sales, allowing them to sell alcohol from 12 pm to 8 pm.
Is happy hour illegal in Indiana?
Happy hour is not technically illegal in Indiana. Establishments can offer specials on drinks, but these promotions must be available throughout the day. This rule is in place to prevent binge drinking and public intoxication, also known as a class B misdemeanor.
Is online alcohol purchase permitted after sales hours?
Online alcohol purchases from retailers based in Indiana are subject to the same restrictions as in-person sales and must comply with the state’s alcohol laws and regulations.
Are there any exceptions to alcohol sales hours for special events or holidays?
Indiana may have exceptions to alcohol sales hours for special events or holidays, but these exceptions are subject to approval and may vary depending on local ordinances.
What happens if I attempt to purchase alcohol during prohibited hours?
Attempting to purchase alcohol during prohibited hours in Indiana may result in the transaction being denied, and individuals may face penalties for violating state alcohol laws.
On A Final Note
Indiana’s alcohol sales policies are all about ensuring you have the freedom to enjoy your drinks while still maintaining some semblance of responsibility.
Firstly, liquor stores, grocery stores, big box stores, and bars allow you to purchase alcohol until 3 am most days, provided they have the proper liquor license.
Sundays have a special schedule, with off-premises transactions available from noon to 8 pm, so stores won’t lose sales.
Gas stations won’t have cold beers – this is only limited to package liquor stores. And if you’re curious about happy hour, it’s not out of the question – just keep an eye out for all-day drink specials.
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