News & Updates

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Indiana convenience stores are not legally allowed to sell cold beer, but they continue to try and find clever ways to circumvent the law.

Earlier this year, the state legislature legalized Sunday alcohol sales, but cold beer sales by grocery and convenience stores remains illegal. All retailers except liquor stores must sell beer at room temperature.

The Indianapolis Star reports that some retailers are now selling Chill Indiana Glacier Bags. Customers can purchase the bags for the suggested retail price of $6.99 each, place their warm beer in the bag, then fill it with ice.

Customers are encouraged to reuse the bag on subsequent trips to convenience or grocery stores.

Stores in several Indiana communities are already selling the chill bags, but none in southeastern Indiana.

Because customers can't ice their beer until after the point of sale, state law does not prohibit the activity.

The Chill Indiana Glacier Bag is the latest attempt by the Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association to combat liquor stores' exclusive right to sell cold carry-out beer. Last year, convenience store chain Ricker’s exploited a loophole in the state’s liquor law by offering prepared food on site and having the requisite number of seats to qualify for a restaurant permit, allowing two stores in Columbus and Sheridan to sell cold beer.

Click here to read the article at Eagle Country Online.

Perfect for Tailgating Season

Even though there has been no enforcement action taken against retailers selling the "Chill Indiana" Glacier Bags, the IPCA finally received official word in an email from ATC Prosecutor Jessica Allen that the bags did comply with state law.

Allen wrote:

"As long as the permitted does not cool or chill the beer, and it does not advertise cold beer at that location, I don't see any issues with selling a cooler. As far as the possibility for free ice, as long as the free ice is tied to the cooler purchase and can be used for any items (soda, food, beer, etc.), then there is no issue with the ice. The free ice should not be tied to the purchase of alcoholic beverages."

Executive Director Scot Imus said he hopes this email will put to rest the fear some retailers had in selling the bags. Other misconceptions of the bags that Imus urges members to dismiss are:

• Bags will drain fountain machines of ice. Not true. Even on a sweltering and busy Friday afternoon at an Indianapolis location where there was a live radio remote to promote the bags, the ice machines were easily able to keep up with demand from beer-buying customers, as well as, fountain users."
• Bags will mean that I give free ice to bag holders for life. Again, false. Such a decision is entirely up to the retailer. A simple solution is to only "give" ice to customers making a $10 purchase of alcohol, soda or other items. Or, retailers can charge a fee for accessing the soda fountain ice. This decision is entirely up to the retailer.

Bags will mean that I give free ice to bag holders for life. Again, false. Such a decision is entirely up to the retailer. A simple solution is to only "give" ice to customers making a $10 purchase of alcohol, soda or other items. Or, retailers can charge a fee for accessing the soda fountain ice. This decision is entirely up to the retailer.

Imus concluded by reminding retailers that if every location in Indiana that was forced to sell warm beer utilized Chill bags, the law has a greater chance of being overturned. Selling Chill Indiana Glacier Bags, and having your customer leave with chilling beer, more than anything, illustrates the absurdity of our law.

To find out more about our Glacier Bags click here.

The Single Bottle Glacier Bag (also known as the Party Pouch) provides customers with a quick/convenient way to chill a bottle of their favorite alcohol brand when they grab it on the way to the beach, party or event. The Glacier Bag can be used by beverage brands or retail to increase sales / impulse buys while promoting your marketing program.

Most recently Sobieski showcased their version of the Glacier Bag (Party Pouch) on their social media accounts while Binny's Beverage Depot introduced it as a brand new product on their online shop www.binnys.com. That only shows that the Glacier Bag is a win/win as you will get amazing brand exposure and your customers will have their favorite bottle ice cold by the time they reach their destination!

We're more than happy to announce that our very own Grub Tub won the "Pitch The Press Best New Product Award" at the 2018 Western Foodservice and Hospitality Expo held right here in our hometown Los Angeles!

The patent-pending Grub Tub is the newest way for customers to consume their favorite food and beverage combo. Available in 3 designs (round, squared and oval), the Grub Tub can hold larger food options including hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, pizza slices, tacos and much more.

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RP & Associates is exhibiting at the 2018 Western Foodservice and Hospitality Expo in Los Angeles, from August 19th to the 21st; you can find us at booth #1505. We are presenting the Glacier Bags and new styles of the Grub Tub, which are both perfect for up-sells, alongside with many other custom and unique products.

Provide customers with a quick/convenient way to chill their 6-pack when they grab it on the way to a party or event. Glacier Bags can be used by beverage brands or retail to increase sales/impulse buys while promoting your marketing program and they allow you to sell all your beverages ice cold and is a great way to drive sales - all you need to do is add the ice!

The patent-pending Grub Tub is the newest way for customers to consume their favorite food and beverage combo. Available in 3 designs (round, squared and oval), the Grub Tub can hold larger food options including hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, pizza slices, tacos and much more. As you can see in the image gallery below, the RP booth was all smiles and caught everyone's attention.

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