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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
The state government moved the goal post on this specific business, Bartholomew County Libertarian Party Vice Chair Clyde Myers said. <\/p>\n
This is why the group is hosting the event inside the store. <\/p>\n
Were just hoping everyone will come out and have a beer with us, and show their support for freedom of choice, Myers said. <\/p>\n
Theres been a lot of attention on the states liquor laws this week, and not just because of this upcoming Drink In. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
State lawmakers said they are aware, which is why theyre conducting a study. Its expected to last a couple years. <\/p>\n
Which could mean Myers might be having a lot more burritos and beer as he prepares to take a stand he never saw coming. <\/p>\n
No, I did not, but Im all for it, Myers said. Its going to be a good time. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Nick is WANEs Indiana Chief Political Bureau reporter. Follow Nick Natario on Twitter at @NNatario. <\/p>\n
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Indiana libertarians hoping to revamp state liquor laws | WANE - WANE<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" COLUMBUS, Ind. Continue reading