I recently shared these thoughts in an email to my elected representatives in Indianapolis, Rep. Tim Neese and Sen. Joe Zakas:

Last Sunday, in order to cook my “famous” pasta Bolognese, I needed to add an entire bottle of dry red wine. I was out of dry red, so I had to borrow one from my neighbor because I can’t buy a bottle of wine on Sunday. I can’t underscore how ridiculous it is to say that. It also would have been great to have a glass or two of wine with my wonderful Italian meal, but at least I was able to make my sauce.

I am fairly knowledgeable about the push for Sunday sales, and also the push-back from liquor store lobbyists. Please, tell the liquor store lobby that if their members don’t want to be open on Sunday, no one is forcing them to be. I will be glad to go to a grocery store, pharmacy or convenience store to purchase my alcohol.

Why should the package store lobbyists run the table when the public clearly disagrees with them? Your job is to be the voice for your constituents, not a pawn for some high-priced lobbyist wearing a $10,000 watch.

Take a moment to appreciate the flip-side of the liquor store lobbyists. Supermarkets, gas stations and shopkeepers around the state have allocated square footage to alcohol sales. On Sundays, this space becomes worthless, or worse, a liability to the owner. Why penalize them? These retail business owners provide more jobs and income to your constituents than liquor store owners do. Please support them.

It’s time to end this ridiculous ban. Please pass legislation that would allow Sundays to become just a normal day for alcohol sales.



Jason Reed

Elkhart