Ricker's Thanks Indiana Legislators With Free Food

INDIANAPOLIS — Ricker's convenience stores will be able to continue selling cold beer at two convenience stores after the Indiana House of Representatives approved a bill allowing it to do so on a temporary basis. 

This is a short-term solution to a loophole in state liquor law, according to House Public Policy chairman Ben Smaltz. Broader alcohol law issues will be addressed at a later date, reported the Associated Press. The vote was 8-4.

The measure next moves to the full House for a vote on April 6.

The Anderson, Indiana-based c-store chain applied for and received alcohol permits typically assigned to restaurants for its locations in Columbus and Sheridan because of the stores' food offerings, as CSNews Online previously reported. Some lawmakers then began moving to close the loophole.

Ricker's offered thanks to the legislators who supported it by serving free lunch outside the Statehouse from its ¡AhhBurritos! food truck on April 4.

"Ricker's couldn’t bring their restaurants in Columbus and Sheridan to you, but they can provide you with the same restaurant quality food options that their restaurants provide through their food truck," the Indiana Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association wrote in an email to state representatives.

Ricker's operates 56 convenience stores in Indiana.