Vivian Marlowe
Indiana has had a complicated relationship with alcohol. With roots in the Prohibition-era, Indiana has had several alcohol bans in place over the years, including a ban on Sunday carryout sales, a ban on Election Day sales, and a ban on Christmas Day sales. However, in recent years, Indiana has seen a slow unraveling of these Prohibition-era bans. In 2012, Indiana lifted the ban on Election Day alcohol sales, and in 2015, the state legalized alcohol sales on Christmas Day. So, is alcohol sold on Christmas Day in Indiana?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol sale on Christmas Day | Allowed in retail and food establishments that are open |
| On-premise consumption | Allowed in bars and restaurants |
| Carry-out alcohol sales on Christmas Day | Prohibited |
| Alcohol sale hours on Christmas Day | 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. (If Christmas falls on a Sunday, sales are allowed from noon to 8 p.m.) |
| Legal drinking age | 21 and older |
| Open container laws | Allowed for adults 21 and over to carry and consume in public, including on sidewalks |
| Open container laws for vehicles | Not allowed |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol can be purchased on Christmas Day in Indiana
The law banning alcohol sales on Christmas Day was changed in 2015 and was first allowed on December 25, 2015. This change was made possible by House Bill 1542, which went into effect earlier that year on July 1, 2015. The bill removed provisions that restricted the sale of alcoholic beverages on Christmas. This was significant because it marked the first time since Prohibition that Hoosiers could legally purchase alcohol on Christmas Day.
While it is now legal to sell alcohol on Christmas Day in Indiana, many bars, restaurants, and liquor retailers choose to remain closed for the holiday. If they are open, sales are typically allowed from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. However, if Christmas falls on a Sunday, sales are only permitted from noon to 8 p.m., in keeping with Indiana's Sunday alcohol sales restrictions. These Sunday restrictions were also a holdover from the Prohibition era, and they were finally repealed in 2018, allowing convenience stores, grocers, and liquor stores to sell alcohol on Sundays.
It's worth noting that while the sale of alcohol on Christmas Day is no longer prohibited in Indiana, some counties and cities may have their own ordinances that restrict alcohol sales more severely than the state. Additionally, individual businesses may choose to close for the holiday, so it's always a good idea to check with local establishments before assuming they will be open for alcohol purchases on Christmas Day.
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Stores selling alcohol on Christmas Day in Indiana
Indiana has seen a slow repeal of Prohibition-era alcohol bans. In 2012, Indiana lifted its ban on liquor sales on Election Day, followed by Christmas Day and Sundays.
As of 2015, alcohol sales on Christmas Day are allowed in Indiana. However, it is important to note that many bars, restaurants, and liquor retailers may still be closed on Christmas Day. If they are open, sales are permitted from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. If Christmas falls on a Sunday, sales are allowed from noon to 8 p.m., in accordance with Indiana law.
While the sale of alcohol on Christmas Day is no longer prohibited, the availability of stores selling alcohol may be limited due to businesses choosing to remain closed for the holiday. It is always a good idea to check with your local stores to see if they will be open and selling alcohol on Christmas Day.
Indiana has specific laws regarding alcohol sales and consumption. For example, Indiana allows the open carrying of alcohol in public spaces, and those of legal drinking age can consume alcohol on sidewalks. However, public intoxication that endangers oneself or others is illegal. Additionally, Indiana has laws regarding the minimum age to sell or serve alcohol, which is currently set at 18 years old.
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Alcohol sales on Sundays in Indiana
Indiana's alcohol laws have changed several times over the years, with the most recent changes occurring in 2024 and 2025. Here is what you need to know about alcohol sales on Sundays in Indiana as of 2025:
Alcohol Sales on Sundays
Until 2018, Indiana prohibited the sale of alcohol in stores on Sundays, with an exception for bars and restaurants. However, the ban was lifted when Senate Bill 1 was signed into law by Governor Eric Holcomb on February 28, 2018. This change allowed retail stores, including convenience stores, grocers, and liquor stores, to sell alcohol on Sundays from 12 pm to 8 pm. The law also permits bars and restaurants with appropriate licenses to serve alcohol from 7 am to 3 am the following day on Sundays. These timing restrictions apply to all alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits.
Alcohol Sales on Christmas Day
In addition to the changes in Sunday alcohol sales, Indiana has also lifted the ban on alcohol sales on Christmas Day. Starting with the Christmas of 2015, Hoosiers could legally purchase alcohol on Christmas Day for the first time since Prohibition. This change was a result of House Bill 1542, which removed the restriction on selling alcoholic beverages on Christmas. However, it is important to note that many bars, restaurants, and liquor retailers may still choose to remain closed on Christmas Day. If they are open, alcohol sales are permitted from 7 am to 3 am, or from noon to 8 pm if Christmas falls on a Sunday.
Open Container Laws
Indiana allows adults aged 21 and over to carry and consume alcohol in public spaces, including sidewalks. However, public intoxication that endangers oneself or others or disrupts the peace is illegal and can result in charges. Additionally, it is illegal to have open containers of alcohol in a vehicle, except when the individual is a passenger in a ride-sharing service or specific areas of a recreational vehicle.
Happy Hour Promotions
Indiana has revoked the ban on happy hour promotions, allowing establishments to offer happy hour discounts. However, promotions that encourage excessive drinking are prohibited.
Licensing and Employee Requirements
The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) enforces alcohol laws in the state and requires anyone serving alcohol to have a valid Employee Permit. This involves completing an approved alcohol certification course covering topics such as checking IDs, preventing over-service, and handling intoxicated customers. As of 2024, the minimum age to sell or serve alcohol in Indiana is 18 years old.
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Alcohol carry laws in Indiana
Indiana's alcohol laws have changed several times over the years, with the most recent changes occurring in 2024. The state's alcohol laws are enforced by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, which has been in place since 1933 following the Repeal of Prohibition. Here are some key points regarding alcohol carry laws in Indiana:
Alcohol Sales Hours
Alcohol can be sold at restaurants and bars from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. every day, including Sundays and Christmas Day. If Christmas falls on a Sunday, sales are permitted from noon to 8 p.m. in accordance with Sunday sales hours.
Carryout Sales
Indiana allows the carryout of alcoholic beverages in their original containers from premises that sell alcohol. However, the premises may have a policy against drinks being carried out. Additionally, Indiana law requires employees to check the identification of any person under the age of 40 when conducting carryout sales. Acceptable forms of ID include picture IDs such as a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or US Government identification.
Minors and Alcohol
Minors under 21 years of age are prohibited from possessing, consuming, or transporting alcohol unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Individuals who are at least 19 years old can "ring up" the sale of alcoholic beverages in drug or grocery stores under the supervision of an employee who is 21 or older.
Open Containers in Public Spaces
Indiana has no restrictions on the open carrying of alcohol in public spaces, including sidewalks. However, open containers are not permitted in motor vehicles unless the vehicle is being used for hire, such as a taxi or rideshare.
Limitations on Alcohol Sales
Beer dealers and retailers are subject to quantity restrictions on carryout and delivery sales. A beer dealer cannot sell and deliver more than 864 US fluid ounces (25.6 liters) of beer in a single transaction to a customer's residence or office. The limit for grocery or drug store retailers is also 864 ounces.
Public Intoxication
While merely being intoxicated in public is not a violation, public intoxication becomes a class B misdemeanor if it endangers oneself or others, breaches the peace, or involves harassing, annoying, or alarming behaviour.
Alcohol-Related Offenses
It is a criminal offense to sell or provide alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person. Additionally, establishments that serve alcohol by the drink are required to provide food service, including hot soups, hot sandwiches, coffee, milk, and soft drinks.
These are some of the key points regarding alcohol carry laws in Indiana. For comprehensive information, it is recommended to refer to the official sources provided by the Indiana government.
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Alcohol sales restrictions in Indiana
Indiana has seen a slow unravelling of its Prohibition-era alcohol bans. The state has no restrictions on the open carrying of alcohol in public spaces, although public intoxication is illegal. The minimum age to consume alcohol in the United States is 21 years old or older, and Indiana law requires employees to check the identification of anyone younger than 40 when selling alcohol.
Until 2018, Indiana was one of nearly a dozen US states to ban all Sunday alcohol sales outside of bars and restaurants. That ban was repealed when Senate Bill 1 was signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb on February 28, 2018. Effective March 4, 2018, convenience stores, grocers, and liquor stores may sell alcohol from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sundays and from 7:00 am to 3:00 am Monday to Saturday.
Indiana also banned alcohol sales on Election Day until 2012, and Christmas Day until 2015. Now, on-premises consumption of alcohol in bars and restaurants is allowed on Christmas Day, and off-premises sales are permitted in retail stores that are open. If Christmas falls on a Sunday, off-premises sales are allowed from noon to 8 pm.
Happy Hour was banned in Indiana for 40 years, but House Bill 1086 revoked the ban in 2024. Indiana allows happy hour discounts but prohibits promotions that encourage excessive drinking, such as "all-you-can-drink" specials.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, alcohol can be sold on Christmas Day in Indiana. However, many bars, restaurants, and liquor retailers are closed on Christmas Day. If they are open, alcohol sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.
No, the sale of alcohol on Christmas Day was banned in Indiana until 2015.
Alcohol sales are banned on Sundays, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Alcohol sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, alcohol sales are permitted only between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.
