Buying Alcohol In Tennessee: Sunday Laws Explained

Tennessee's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to Sunday sales. Here's a quick overview of when and where you can buy beer and wine in Tennessee on Sundays.

Beer and Wine Sales on Sundays:

As of 2023, beer and wine can be purchased at grocery and liquor stores in Tennessee on Sundays between 10 am and 11 pm. This law was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly with the goal of increasing state and local revenues.

Days When Alcohol Cannot Be Sold:

It's important to note that alcohol sales are prohibited on certain holidays in Tennessee. Beer, wine, and liquor sales are not allowed on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. So, if you're planning a holiday party, make sure to stock up on drinks beforehand!

Other Alcohol Regulations in Tennessee:

Tennessee has strict regulations regarding alcohol sales to minors. It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, and businesses are required to check the IDs of customers who do not appear to be 50 years or older. Tennessee also has open container laws, making it illegal to possess an open container of alcohol in the seating area of a vehicle, including parked cars.

By understanding these laws, residents and visitors in Tennessee can ensure they are complying with the state's regulations around alcohol sales and consumption.

Beer, wine, and spirits can be sold from 8 am to 11 pm Monday to Saturday in Tennessee

Beer, wine, and spirits can be sold from 8 am to 11 pm, Monday to Saturday, in Tennessee. This applies to both on-premises consumption, such as bars and restaurants, and off-premises establishments like grocery and liquor stores.

However, it's important to note that alcohol sales are prohibited on certain holidays. In Tennessee, you cannot purchase alcohol at grocery stores on Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter. This restriction also applies to liquor stores, except these stores are allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays.

The laws regarding alcohol sales in Tennessee have undergone some changes in recent years. Previously, the sale of wine and liquor was prohibited in retail stores on Sundays. However, the Tennessee General Assembly approved a bill that allows liquor stores to be open on Sundays and permits the sale of wine in grocery stores on the same day. This bill is expected to increase state revenue and benefit local businesses.

While discussing alcohol laws in Tennessee, it's worth mentioning that bars must stop selling drinks and close their doors by 3 am at the latest. The legal drinking age in the state is 21, and it is illegal to serve alcohol to minors. Tennessee also has open container laws that prohibit possessing an open container of alcohol in the seating area of a vehicle.

Alcohol sales are prohibited on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas

The state's alcohol laws can be confusing, and it's important to be aware of the restrictions, especially around holidays. For example, if you plan a party on a Sunday or a holiday, you'll need to stock up on beer and wine the day before, as retailers are not allowed to sell any alcoholic beverages on Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.

While Tennessee is not a dry state, it does have several dry counties, where the sale of wine and spirits is prohibited by default. These counties must pass their own laws to allow the sale of liquor. Even in counties where alcohol sales are permitted, there are still some restrictions in place. For instance, businesses are not allowed to give out free drinks, and selling alcohol to minors is a Class A misdemeanor.

The minimum drinking age in Tennessee is 21, and there are strict laws around providing alcohol to minors. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in their blood. The laws also apply to older individuals who wish to purchase alcohol; using a fake ID to buy alcohol is considered a criminal offense and can result in fines ranging from $50 to $200.

To work in an establishment that serves alcohol in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 18 years old. This includes servers, bartenders, and other staff who handle open containers of alcohol. These employees are required to obtain a Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) license or server permit to sell or serve alcohol.

Bars and restaurants can sell beer until 3 am every day

Tennessee's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to Sunday sales. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about buying beer and wine in the state, with a focus on the rules for bars and restaurants.

Bars and restaurants in Tennessee are permitted to sell beer from 8 am to 3 am, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, they can start selling beer at 10 am and continue until 3 am. This means that bars and restaurants can sell beer until 3 am every day, including Sundays.

It's important to note that these hours refer specifically to the sale of beer. Different rules may apply to the sale of wine or distilled spirits. Additionally, some counties in Tennessee have their own restrictions on alcohol sales, so be sure to check the local laws in your area.

Where Can You Buy Beer?

In Tennessee, bars and restaurants are not the only places where you can purchase beer. Here are some other options:

• Package and liquor stores
• Breweries and taprooms
• Grocery stores (but not on Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter)
• Gas stations

While this question specifically focuses on beer, it's worth mentioning that Tennessee has different rules for the sale of wine and distilled spirits. For example, until recently, the sale of wine and liquor was prohibited in retail stores on Sundays. However, a new law now allows grocery stores to sell wine on Sundays between 10 am and 11 pm.

Additionally, it's important to note that Tennessee has fourteen dry counties, where the sale of wine and spirits is prohibited by default unless specifically legislated. These counties may have different rules and regulations regarding the sale of alcohol, so be sure to check the local laws before purchasing.

You must be 18 to serve alcohol and 21 to buy it in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the legal drinking age is 21, and the minimum age to serve alcohol is 18.

Tennessee law prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors. The law defines a minor as anyone under the age of 21. However, an exception is made for 18-20-year-olds who can handle, transport, or sell alcoholic beverages while employed.

To sell alcohol in licensed retail establishments, individuals must be at least 18 years old. This includes employees of retail package stores and retail food stores who sell alcoholic beverages or wine. These employees are required to complete responsible vendor training and obtain certification.

The minimum age to obtain a manager's permit for operating, supervising, or managing the retail sales of alcoholic beverages is also 18. However, some roles, such as sole proprietors, do not require a manager's permit.

To obtain a server permit for serving alcohol in on-premise consumption establishments, individuals must be at least 18 years old. If the establishment allows smoking, the minimum age is 21.

The legal drinking age in Tennessee is 21. It is illegal to sell or serve alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 21. Proper identification, such as a valid government-issued photo ID, is required for purchasing alcohol.

These laws are in place to ensure that alcohol is consumed responsibly and to prevent underage drinking.

The minimum drinking age of 21 applies to everyone, including those with parents or spouses over 21

In the state of Tennessee, the minimum drinking age is 21, and this applies to everyone, including those with parents or spouses over 21. While some states allow minors to drink alcohol with their parents or spouses, Tennessee is not one of them. Furnishing a minor with alcohol, even if they are related to you, is a Class A misdemeanour.

Tennessee alcohol laws apply to all residents and visiting individuals, and may vary locally. For example, in 14 counties, the sale of wines and spirits is prohibited by default, so these counties must legislate their own laws to allow the sale of certain liquors.

The minimum age to sell or serve alcohol in Tennessee is 18. It is a criminal offence to use a fake ID to buy alcohol, with fines ranging from $50 to $200.

Frequently asked questions