INDIANAPOLIS -- The news spread like wildfire Monday night: Hard liquor for 40 percent off at Marsh Supermarkets.
The reason for the sale is a little-known liquor law in Indiana that says grocery stores without pharmacies cannot sell hard liquor.
The company announced last Friday that it wouldclose all of its pharmacies after they were sold to CVS.
"Without a pharmacy, they don't qualify for that permit anymore and need to move that liquor," said Grant Monahan, Indiana Retail Council.
Monahan says the law is outdated and he hopes the general assembly will take another look at it.
Marsh will continue to discount hard liquor through at least Tuesday. The supermarkets will continue to sell beer and wine.
This was the scene at Marsh Supermarket on Michigan St. today - pharmacy sell-off means liquor must go. Shelves clearing fast! #Indianapolis pic.twitter.com/GsHyUIeqyq
— Matthew McClellan (@McClellanRTV6) May 2, 2017
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In the meantime, the fate of another old Indiana liquor law is in the hands of Governor Holcomb.
Ricker's gas stations found a legal loophole in the law that prevents the sale of cold beer at gas stations.
They got alcohol permits after they opened restaurants at gas stations in Sheridan and Columbus.
There are two ways you can purchase alcohol at those stores; you can dine-in and order a beer with your food, or you can buy it for carry-out.
The Indiana General Assembly passed a bill that would close the loophole, but Governor Holcomb hasn't said whether he will sign it or veto it.
Holcomb says he hasn't changed his opinion that the Ricker's permits were properly issued.
