JEFFERSONVILLE, Indiana — This week, many restaurants and bars on the Indiana side of the Ohio River are cashing in on the return of something that was illegal for almost 40 years. Yes, we're talking happy hour.
The state's ban on happy hours have been in effect since 1985, but the Indiana General Assembly passed a new law allowing businesses to bring back their own hourly specials starting July 1.
Before Monday, businesses were able to offer only daily specials. Now, businesses can price drink and food specials at a discounted rate during their slow times, typically in the afternoon hours.
"On Monday, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., we made way more long island ices teas and margaritas," Madison Jared, a bartender and server at Harry's Taphouse, said.
Harry's is already feeling the surplus this new law brings into their restaurant.
"It brings in a lot more people," Jared added. She also mentioned how this law is great for the employees pocketbook as well. "As servers and bartenders, those dead hours can really kill our money, but we get those new people in, and we get new people in, and they normally stay after the happy hour as well."
Right up the street, another local business is ready to take on the crowds.
"We expect our business to increase at least by 5 to 7% now, and that's going to be really helpful for all of us, not just my business," Upland Brewery General Manager Spiros Panagiotopoulos said. Customers are also showing their support for not only the new law, but also their neighborhood local businesses.
"We used to go for happy hour after work," said one customer. "I think it's a wonderful ideas because you can also stay for dinner."
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