Message from the Superintendent
The Indiana State Excise Police is the law enforcement division of the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. State Excise officers are empowered by statute to enforce the laws and rules of the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission as well as criminal and traffic laws enacted by the General Assembly.
The department is committed to excellence and professionalism, utilizing advanced technology, professional law enforcement development and training, as well as partnerships with other state, local and federal agencies to ensure public safety. The department's primary goal is to reduce the access and availability of alcohol and tobacco products to minors. To achieve this important goal, the department offers training programs to the alcoholic beverage industry, tobacco vendors, and provides civic and educational programs for youth.
The department encourages community partnerships to educate youth and the public as to the consequences associated with alcohol and tobacco use. Through enforcement efforts, education and community support, it is possible to reduce the risks associated with the illegal possession and use of alcohol and tobacco by minors. Please join us in the effort to protect our youth.
Sincerely,
Matt Strittmatter, Superintendent
Indiana State Excise Police
Alcohol & Tobacco Commission Purpose
The general purposes of the Alcohol & Tobacco Commission's work, as defined by law, are:
- To protect the economic welfare, health, peace and morals of the people of this state
- To regulate and limit the manufacture, sale, possession, and use of alcohol and alcoholic beverages
- To provide for the raising of revenue
The Commission licenses and regulates over 15,000 permits for the manufacture, distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages at restaurants, breweries, wineries, grocery stores, hotels, drug stores, package stores, stadiums, civic centers, social and fraternal clubs, horse tracks and river boats throughout the State of Indiana. In addition to business alcoholic beverage permits, the Commission licenses and regulates the permits of every bartender, waiter, waitress, salesperson and clerk associated with the sale or service of alcoholic beverages in the State of Indiana - over 200,000 in number. The Commission also licenses and regulates nearly 8,500 tobacco retailers, distributors and manufacturers. The Commission is responsible for raising revenue of approximately $45 million for the citizens of Indiana.
The Indiana Alcoholic Beverage Commission was created by an Act of the Indiana General Assembly in 1933, following the repeal of Prohibition. Effective July 1, 2001, the name was changed to the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.
The Commission is composed of four (4) members appointed by the Governor of the State of Indiana. There are also local alcoholic beverage boards in each of the state's 92 counties who consider and review all applications for alcoholic beverage permits in their particular area. An important part of the Commission is its law enforcement division - the Indiana State Excise Police. The State Excise Police enforce the laws of the State of Indiana related to alcoholic beverages as well as the rules of the Commission.