What Time Do They Stop Selling Alcohol in Indiana? You Should To know all about
Indiana’s laws on alcohol can be shocking for some, as they combine fairly relaxed service hours with some wacky restrictions, particularly on Sundays. If you’re planning to go on your next night out, or you’re shopping for an event Here’s a list of the times when alcohol sales have to end in Indiana.
Statewide Alcohol Sale Hours
According to Indiana law The Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) regulates when and where alcohol-related beverages may be sold. In accordance with ATC regulations in addition to the Indiana Code, the legal hours of dispensing alcohol are:
- 7:07 a.m. until three o’clock a.m. daily for premises on-premise (bars and restaurants, etc.).
- The alcohol service in bars and restaurants must be shut down at the time of 3.00 a.m. Each permit owner must also empty their beverages in the first 30 minutes following the time of the closing as per ATC guidelines.
So, generally the last drink you have in a bar or restaurant will take place at least 3:00 a.m.
Retail (Off-Premise) Sale Hours
For on-premise purchases – such as buying alcohol at convenience stores, grocery stores, or liquor stores The legal guidelines differ slightly:
- The hours are Monday-Saturday: 7:15 a.m. until 3:00 a.m.
- Sundays: 12:00 p.m. (noon) until 8:15 p.m. for take-away alcohol.
On Sundays, you are not able to purchase alcohol from retailers after 8 p.m. A change made after Indiana eased its sales laws for Sundays in 2018.
Why Sunday Is Different
Indiana historically has had very rigid “blue law” restrictions on Sunday-only alcohol sales. But this changed in 2018: Senate Bill 1 legalized sales of carryout at retail stores on Sundays.
However however, the window for Sunday shopping remains very limitedfrom 12:01 p.m. until 8 p.m.Bars and restaurants are able to offer a longer time of service the hours of 7:15 a.m. until 3.00 a.m. the next morning.
Special Cases & Exceptions
- gas stations: These outlets, in the event that they are licensed, can also sell alcohol however there’s a catch: a lot of gasoline stations across Indiana are permitted only for selling warm beers and not cold beers.
- permits for holidays and events Licenses are issued for occasions (like festival or fairs) that extend beyond normal hours – however, these are only exceptions and not the norm.
- Closing Grace Time: Once a bar closes at 3:00 a.m. The patrons generally can have between 30 and 30 mins to finish their drink in accordance with the regulations for permits.
Why Knowing These Rules Matters
For both visitors and residents Knowing Indiana’s liquor sale hours can help protect you from disappointments you didn’t expect especially in the evening and on Sundays. If you’re planning to host a party or buying alcohol for transportation, or planning for a night out, knowing when shops and bars are required to stop selling ensures that you’re in compliance to the law and avoid late-night rushes.
