Committee Chair Files Sunday Sales Bill

Legalized Sunday alcohol sales took an incremental step forward in the legislative process this week. Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) filed legislation on the issue for the 2018 session – as he previously said he would.

Smaltz is chair of the House Public Policy Committee, which hears alcohol bills. He also served on the Alcohol Code Revision Commission, created this year to examine the state’s liquor laws. His legislation would deliver on the commission’s chief recommendation: to legalize Sunday alcohol sales from noon to 8 p.m.

House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) says the decision to have Smaltz carry that measure has been the plan for a while.

“The hope is that our public policy chairmen in the House and Senate can move a bill with the one item that appears to be very well-accepted by all – repealing the no Sunday sale rule,” he says.

Bosma says other recommendations from the alcohol commission – including some tax and fee increases – will be included in separate pieces of legislation.