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Bill would allow alcohol sales at Indiana State Fair

An Indiana House committee is considering a proposal to lift a ban on the sale of alcohol at the State Fair.

The bill already passed the Senate but still needs approval from the House and Governor Mike Pence before it could take effect.

State fair officials and beer brewers say the time has come to showcase Indiana-made craft beers and wines alongside other agricultural products.

Critics have expressed concern about the potential for underage drinking and tarnishing the fair's "family friendly" reputation.

But State Fair Commission executive director Cindy Hoye says alcohol likely would be sold in an enclosed area open only to fairgoers age 21 and older.

She says policies to deal with alcohol sales already are in place at the fairgrounds and notes alcohol is allowed at the site throughout the year except during the fair.