INDIANA – On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America and be visible in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Excitement and interest in the big event are growing, and Hoosier communities and public safety agencies are planning for an influx of hundreds of thousands of visitors to the state of Indiana. In preparation for this event, the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (“ATC” or “Commission”) would like to provide applicants, permittees, and the general public with the following guidance:
Temporary Floor Plan Amendments – The 2024 total solar eclipse is considered a “social event” for temporary floor plan amendments. As such, certain retailer permittees may temporarily amend the floor plan of licensed premises to include an area contiguous to the licensed premises that does not already have a bar to sell, dispense, or securely store alcoholic beverages.
To submit a request for temporary floor plan amendments, complete and submit State Form 57357 (Request for Temporary Floor Plan Amendment) as soon as possible. Unless otherwise indicated, temporary floor plans for the 2024 total solar eclipse will be valid from April 8, 2024, at 7:00 am to April 9, 2024, at 3:00 a.m. Amended floor plans must still comply with the physical separation requirements for bar rooms and dining rooms, or a valid exception to the general rule prohibiting minors in taverns and bar areas must apply. Please refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQs) attached for more information concerning temporary floor plan amendments.
Temporary Permits – All applicants for a temporary beer and wine permit must apply no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024 (for events to be held on April 8, 2024). All temporary permit applications must be submitted online here.
Club Guest Days—Fraternal clubs wishing to host an event on April 8, 2024, that allows non-members on the licensed premises must submit a request to use a guest day under IC 7.1-3-20-8.6.
Supplemental Catering Requests – Holders of a supplemental catering permit must submit a catering authority request no later than 4:30 p.m. on April 4, 2024 (for events to be held on April 8, 2024).
Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORAs) – Local municipalities wishing to utilize a DORA during the 2024 total solar eclipse should start the application process now to ensure that the ATC approves it before April 8, 2024. Local municipalities should also begin securing and approving vendors for the DORA. Hence, the vendor has plenty of time to submit temporary beer and wine applications or supplemental catering requests to the ATC. Those wishing to participate as a vendor in a DORA must first obtain approval from the local municipality that established the DORA. The ATC cannot approve temporary beer and wine permits or supplemental catering requests in a DORA that do not include an approved vendor form.
For more information about the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, please visit the following:
- Indiana Department of Homeland Security: in.gov/dhs/solar-eclipse-2024/
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources: in.gov/dnr/places-to-go/events/2024-solar-eclipse/
- Visit Indiana: visitindiana.com/eclipse2024/
