Indiana’s alcohol laws can be surprising for many, they mix fairly liberal service hours with some quirky restrictions, especially on Sundays. Whether you’re planning a night out or stocking up for a gathering, here’s a breakdown of when alcohol sales must stop in Indiana.
Statewide Alcohol Sale Hours
Under Indiana law, the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) regulates when and where alcoholic beverages can be sold. According to ATC rules and Indiana Code, the legal hours for dispensing alcohol are:
- 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. daily for on-premise locations (bars, restaurants).
- This means alcohol service at bars and restaurants must end by 3:00 a.m. Each permit holder must also clear out drinks within 30 minutes after closing, per ATC guidelines.
So, in most cases, your last drink at a bar or a sit-down venue will be just before 3:00 a.m.
Retail (Off-Premise) Sale Hours
When it comes to off-premise purchases — buying alcohol from grocery stores, convenience stores, and liquor shops — the legal limits are slightly different:
- Monday through Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
- Sunday: 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 8:00 p.m. for carry-out alcohol.
So, on Sundays, you cannot buy alcohol from stores after 8:00 p.m. – a change that came after Indiana relaxed its Sunday sales laws in 2018.
Why Sunday Is Different
Indiana historically had very strict “blue law” restrictions on Sunday alcohol sales. But that changed in 2018: Senate Bill 1 legalized carryout sales in retail stores on Sundays.
Even with that change, the Sunday window for retail purchases remains limited — 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bars and restaurants, however, can still serve much longer: from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. the next morning.
Special Cases & Exceptions
- Gas Stations: These outlets, if licensed, can sell alcohol too — but there’s a catch: many gas stations in Indiana are only permitted to sell warm beer, not cold beer.
- Holiday and Event Permits: Licenses can be issued for special events (like fairs or festivals) that may extend beyond normal hours — but these are exceptions, not the rule.
- Closing Grace Period: Once a bar closes at 3:00 a.m., patrons typically have up to 30 minutes to finish their drinks, as required by permit regulations.
Why Knowing These Rules Matters
For both residents and visitors, understanding Indiana’s alcohol sale hours can save you from surprise disappointments — especially late at night or on Sundays. If you’re hosting a party, buying for transport, or planning a night out, knowing when stores and bars must stop selling helps you stay compliant with the law and avoid last-minute rushes.
