The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (IPCA), is prepared to challenge Indiana’s outdated law governing the sale of cold beer in court during a two day trial beginning Thursday, February 20 at 1p.

The issue will be heard by Chief Judge Richard L. Young, United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.

IPCA and its members’ filed a complaint in U.S. District Court  in May 2013 that claims Indiana’s alcohol law violates the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution by restricting convenience, grocery and pharmacy stores to selling beer only at room temperature. Under current law, these stores are only allowed to sell beer warm, while their competitors in the carryout market are allowed to sell beer cold even though convenience stores have a better compliance record with Indiana’s alcohol laws.

“Now is the time for common sense to be applied to Indiana’s alcohol laws, which are irrational, discriminatory and outdated,” said IPCA Executive Director Scot Imus. “We look forward to presenting our case in court as it is not the job of government to pick winners and losers in the marketplace.”

The hearing will last two days with the judge taking the matter under advisement and issuing a ruling at a later date.