(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Indiana residents who want to drink a cold one this Fourth of July will have to buy their adult beverages at least a day early or go across state lines.

Beer aisel in a grocery store

Independence Day falls on a Sunday this year. Indiana is one of only three states which does not allow carry-out alcohol sales on the Sabbath.

A coalition of grocery stores and chains called the Alliance of Responsible Alcohol Retailers is using the timing of the holiday to launch yet another push for Sunday sales – a matter of convenience the group says.  The effort is called “Change It Indiana.”

Some major grocery chains and convenience stores like Kroger, CVS, Meijer and Circle K are in favor of allowing alcohol to be sold on Sunday, however, owners of independent liquor stores have opposed allowing Sunday sales, citing increased operating costs.

“Unfortunately, some 500 liquor storeowners and their team of highly paid lobbyists are working hard to stand in the way of this effort and protect their special interests,” the ARAR wrote on its website.

ARAR estimates that Indiana loses $9 million in tax revenue each year as residents cross state lines to by beer or liquor. For example, Duebber’s Drive through on US 50 in Hamilton County, just across the Indiana-Ohio state line, usually has a line of cars with Hoosier plates waiting to make a purchase on Sundays.

One state lawmaker, Sen. Phil Boots (R-Crawfordsville) says he will introduce a bill to allow Sunday alcohol sales, as well as allow grocery and convenience stores to sell cold beer.

Attempts to pass similar legislation in recent legislative sessions have failed.