The Indiana House Committee on Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development passed legislation 8-4 that critics say will impose a first in the nation price control on nonalcoholic beverages.
House Bill 1109, if implemented, would prevent distributors of packaged nonalcoholic beverages with a weight volume of 8 ounces or more from offering differing sales prices to retailers, seasonal promotions and other discounts to Indiana retailers unless they are extended to every store in the state.
Proponents say the legislation is necessary to protect small retailers while opponents say the measure goes against free market principles.
The measure now goes to full House for second amendment readings.
