Senate Enrolled Act No. 177 - Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Amendments

• Defines "proprietor of a package liquor store" as a person who holds financial investment and exercises financial and operational oversight of the store, effective upon passage.

• Requires beer dealer's permit applicants for package liquor stores to satisfy Indiana resident ownership requirements of 60% continuous Indiana residency for five years, with that ownership constituting a controlling interest.

• Allows temporary amendments to floor plans for hotels and restaurants to use banquet or gathering spaces with temporary bars for on-premises consumption, requiring 24-hour advance notice to the commission, effective July 1, 2016.

• Permits college and university-owned hotel premises to operate nonpermanent bars on enclosed patios or terraces with 4-foot minimum height barriers and proper signage restricting minor access, and allows restaurants to operate service windows on enclosed patios with 18-inch barriers, effective July 1, 2016.

• Allows renewal or transfer of existing dealer's permits held before January 1, 2016, for package liquor stores even if ownership does not meet new residency requirements, but new owners must satisfy Indiana resident ownership standards.

• Adds exemptions to bottle refilling prohibitions for hard cider manufacturers, farm wineries, breweries, and statewide trade organizations of breweries, effective July 1, 2016.