Leising Proposes Alcohol Sales At State Fair

A local senator has authored a bill that could help promote local breweries and wineries.
A local senator has authored a bill that could help promote local breweries and wineries.

Republican Senator Jean Leising of Oldenburg has introduced legislation that would allow the sale of alcoholic beverages at the Indiana State Fair.

Senate Bill 168 would end a prohibition that has been in place since 1947. It was issued due to a littering problem.

Leising suggests many Hoosier microbreweries and wineries, like local hotspots Lil’ Charlies Restaurant and Brewery and Ertel Cellars Winery, would feature their products at the state fair if the bill is passed.

“For number one, some publicity for us because we take a lot of pride in what we do, and to get people into the Batesville area,” Adam Ollberding of Lil’ Charlies said. “We would absolutely be interested in showcasing beers at the state fair.”

Provisions in the bill would allow those twenty-one years of age and older to consume alcoholic beverages in designated areas.