Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has signed legislation regarding “cold beer carryout” sales and net metering.

Holcomb today signed HEA 1496, which would limit Rickers’ ability to sell cold beer for carryout.  In the past,  Holcomb has said he believed Rickers and the state Alcohol Tobacco Commission followed the law.  He released a statement saying “I sign this bill with the understanding we need to review and make common-sense changes to Indiana’s alcohol laws.”

Indy Politics spoke with Grant Monahan to get his reaction to the Governor signing the “Rickers” legislation.   You can hear him in the Leon-Tailored audio. It runs about 15 minutes.   We also discuss the recent move by Marsh to liquidate its alcohol stock after getting out of the pharmacy business.    Rickers CEO Jay Ricker released the following statement…

“While we believe this bill merited a veto, we are heartened by Governor Holcomb’s statement that Indiana’s ridiculous and restrictive liquor laws need a common sense review.  Throughout this year’s legislative session, Ricker’s has been targeted by anti-free market forces whose sole objective is to limit the choices of Hoosier consumers.  We never stopped fighting them and their powerful interests, and with public sentiment clearly on our side, we will continue this fight back in our communities and into next year’s legislative session.”

The Governor also signed SEA 309, the net metering bill.  Solar advocates said the legislation would harm the industry by stifling investment.  Holcomb said, “I support solar as an important part of Indiana’s comprehensive energy mix. I understand the concerns some have expressed, but this legislation ensures that those who currently have interests in small solar operations will not be affected for decades.”

Solar advocates had more harsh words for the administration.   Richard Hill, Chair of the Hoosier Chapter of the Sierra Club, released the following statements…

“Hundreds of residents and businesses came out to hearings and rallies opposing this toxic bill, yet Governor Holcomb chose to side with the big energy companies who want to tie up Indiana’s rooftop solar market. Senate Bill 309 has already drawn negative publicity to our state, and it will continue to do so as solar companies gradually close up shop and move elsewhere. Indiana will soon regret this law, as have the states of Nevada and Arizona when they passed similar laws.”