[author: Maggie Boyd]

Indiana is one step closer to passing legislation that would allow popular liquor-based, ready-to-drink products to be defined as “mixed beverages” that currently fall under the definition of liquor in the state.

An Indiana House of Representatives committee advanced House Bill 1025 earlier this month. The bill would add a new section to Indiana Code 7.1-1-3-26.2 that would read:

“Mixed beverage” means a prepared cordial, cocktail, or highball that is in a can or container that holds not more than twenty-four (24) ounces of the beverage and is a mixture of: (1) whiskey, neutral spirits, brandy, gin, or another distilled 8 spirit; and (2) carbonated or plain water, pure juice from a flower or plant, or other flavoring materials; that is suitable for immediate consumption and contains not less 12 than five-tenths percent(0.5%) of alcohol by volume and not more 13 than fifteen percent (15%) of alcohol by volume.”

The definition change would also allow for beer wholesalers, who also hold a wine license, to sell mixed beverages in Indiana. As such, there are many opposing the bill. We will continue to update the blog when any changes are made in the state.

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