Indiana Retailers Finding Alcohol ID Law Challenging

INDIANAPOLIS – Both clerks and customers are getting a bit fed up with the change to Indiana law that requires anyone purchasing alcohol to show a government-issued photo ID, WRTV reports. The law took effect in July.

The problem comes when store owners have to refuse to sell alcohol to long-term customers because of lack of ID. Some view the law as an example of unnecessary government intervention. “Carding everyone looks silly. I mean, I come in there, and he wants my ID,” said Otis Bell, of whom there is no doubt of his over-21 age.

Stores and customers have complained enough that some state lawmakers are considering a change to the law during the upcoming legislative session that starts early next year. Sen. Jim Merritt would like to amend the law to apply to customers who look to be under 40.

Bob Graves of Alabama Liquors said looking at everyone’s ID slows the lines and can cut down on sales. “People are 30, 40, 50 years old, and you have to card them at my employer’s expenses. It’s not fair,” he said.

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