State Rep. Ryan Hatfield votes “yes” for Sunday sales

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Ryan Hatfield (D-Evansville) issued the following statement after the Indiana House approved House Bill 1051, a bill allowing carryout alcohol sales on Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.:

“I am happy to endorse a bill that can be good for our convenience stores, our business revenue, and our citizens. Indiana is one of 12 states that bans alcohol on Sundays, and I am glad the legislature is making a positive change on our alcohol sales.

“These are the first steps toward bringing Indiana’s alcohol laws into the 21st Century. These changes, which are long overdue, reflect a public sentiment that believes our state should not be stuck with archaic laws that reflect thinking of the Prohibition Era, when they were first enacted.

“Considering the large margins of support that this proposal received in both its House and Senate versions, I would say that lawmakers are finally ready to follow the public’s wishes on this issue.

“This should not be the last move we make in this area. There is much more that can be done, and we should have the time and the will to do it.”