INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alliance for Responsible Alcohol Retailers (ARAR) today announced support for Senate Bill 339, touting it as a true step forward in alcohol legislation and reform.     "We applaud the Senate for enacting sensible and effective measures that put forth a balanced compromise regarding the sale of alcohol beverages" stated Grant Monahan, President Indiana Retail Council. "Our Alliance applauds lawmakers for their common sense approach to good public policy that will hopefully end decades of market share turf battles with the liquor stores."     Major provisions provided in the bill include:      -- Codifying over 20-years of Indiana law on the types of businesses        eligible for a grocery store permit.  The bill specifically prohibits        gasoline stations from obtaining a permit and does not expand the types        of businesses eligible for a permit.     -- Revise the quota for grocery store permits from one permit per 1,500        citizens to a three tiered approach depending on the size of the        incorporated area.  For example, in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, this        would mean a 70 percent reduction in the number of available permits.        Every Indiana community over 15,000 residents will experience a sharp        reduction in the potential number of alcohol outlets.     -- Require retailers to display liquor in a designated area or agree to        adopt additional security measures     -- Grant law enforcement the full authority to undertake compliance        checks, similar to the tobacco industry compliance checks currently in        place.     -- Establishes civil penalties for employers and employees for underage        sales, and directs that such penalties fund the ATC's enforcement        activities.     The Alliance for Responsible Alcohol Retailers is a coalition of trade associations and drug, grocery and convenience stores in Indiana that believe alcohol should be sold within a regulatory framework that prevents youth from accessing alcohol; strengthens compliance and fair competition, and provides consumers with real choices, convenience and competitive prices. For additional retail alcohol information and statistics, please visit www.responsibleretailers.org.  

SOURCE Alliance For Responsible Alcohol Retailers