The Sunday Alcohol Law in Indiana
Many states limit the sale of alcohol on Sundays. These archaic laws are remnants of the Prohibition era and are supported by religious groups that want to preserve Sunday as a day of worship. However, many states, including Indiana, have abolished these relics from the past. The Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys from The Criminal Defense Team is here to teach what you need to know about the Sunday alcohol law in Indiana:
Can You Buy Alcohol in Indiana on Sundays?
Before March 4, 2018, convenience stores, grocery stores, and liquor stores were prohibited from selling alcohol on Sundays. If you wanted a drink, you would have to go somewhere it was dispensed, such as a restaurant or bar. The state dispensing law allows the sale of alcohol from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Monday through Sunday.
However, in 2018, the Indiana governor signed a new law that allowed carryout sales of alcohol from liquor stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores on Sundays. The purchasing window is from 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 8:00 p.m. on Sundays.
This was the first time in Indiana history that these sales were allowed. A special amendment was passed, allowing the law to take effect immediately.
Previous Rules About Indiana Alcohol Sales on Sundays
If you’re remembering that Sunday sales of alcohol are prohibited, you are right. However, the law changed in 2018. Before then, you could not purchase carryout liquor from stores on Sundays. Additionally, brewery taprooms were not allowed to make growler, crowler, bottle, or can sales on Sunday if the beer was not fermented on site. However, that requirement was also removed, so you are free to purchase alcohol on Sundays from taprooms,
Other Indiana Alcohol Sale Laws
It is also worth noting that Indiana does allow the sale of alcohol in grocery stores. Many states do not. Additionally, Indiana does allow you to consume alcohol in public places. However, you can face public intoxication charges if your alcohol intake endangers someone’s life or you disturb others because of your drinking.
Indiana DUI Laws
Whether you are purchasing alcohol on Sundays or any other day of the week, it’s essential to keep in mind the state’s DUI/OWI laws. Like in most states, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in Indiana if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. You can also be arrested if you have a controlled substance in your blood that is impacting your ability to drive safely. Even if your BAC is below 0.08%, you can be arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI) if law enforcement suspects your ability to drive the vehicle safely was compromised.
As part of the implied consent law, all drivers agree to undergo chemical testing of their breath, urine, or blood if they are lawfully stopped for suspicion of violating the OWI law. Refusing a breath test can result in a one-year suspension of your driver’s license.
If you are convicted of a first offense with a BAC between 0.08% and 0.15%, you can face up to one year in jail, fines, and a driver’s license suspension.
Contact Our Knowledgeable OWI Lawyers for Assistance
The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley PC is deeply familiar with Indiana’s various alcohol laws. If you are facing charges for an alcohol-related crime, call our DUI lawyers in Indianapolis at (317) 678-9853 or contact us online to discuss your legal options.