Bill Davis Appointed To Chair Alcohol Code Panel

Former state Sen. Beverly Gard has been replaced as the chair of the Indiana Alcohol Code Revision Commission. House Speaker Brian Bosma appointed former state Rep. Bill Davis to take over.

While a lawmaker, Davis was known to be a staunch opponent of expanding alcohol sales. That worries some advocates of expanded alcohol sales and distribution. Political analyst John Ketzenberger says this could cause concern for those wanting to pick up a cold six-pack at a convenience store.

"Expansion of cold beer sales to grocery stores and convenience stores for instance, will have a more difficult time gaining the approval of the commission," Ketzenberger says.

However, political watcher Ed Feigenbaum says Davis could surprise people.

"When Bill Davis was chair of the House Committee on Public Policy, expansion of cold beer sales got their first ever legislative hearing," Feigenbaum says.

Early this week, Monarch Beverages - the largest alcohol distributer in Indiana - announced it would be shutting down wine distributions due to being unable to receive state approval to distribute hard liquor.

CEO Phil Terry says it doesn't matter if Davis keeps with his prior views, because the damage has already been done.

"The ability to service the liquor needs of our suppliers, is now moot. We're out of the business," Terry says.

Reached by phone Friday, Davis declined to comment, saying he would do interviews Monday.