Nashville Beer Laws: Can You Buy Brews?

If you're looking to buy beer in Nashville, Tennessee, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, you must be 21 years old to purchase beer, and you will need to provide a valid form of identification. Beer can be bought from liquor stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores, but there are certain restrictions on sale timings. Packaged beer may be sold between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Sundays and between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. from Monday to Saturday. Additionally, there are no restrictions on the hours that beer may be delivered. Nashville also has a variety of beer stores and bars, each with its own unique offerings and experiences.

Nashville's best beer stores

Nashville has a lot to offer when it comes to beer stores, with a variety of options to choose from. Here are some of the best beer stores in Nashville, Tennessee, to help you find your favourite brew:

Midtown Corkdorks Wine, Spirits & Beer

Midtown Corkdorks is a popular choice for beer enthusiasts in Nashville. It offers a great variety of beers, wines, and spirits at good prices. It has a well-stocked selection of craft beers and is conveniently located in Midtown. Midtown Corkdorks is highly recommended for those looking for a wide range of options.

The Filling Station

The Filling Station is a unique spot, offering a combination of a beer store and a bar. Located in 12 South, it's a cool place to pop into, offering a fine selection of craft beers. If you're looking for a casual spot to grab a drink and shop for beer at the same time, The Filling Station is worth a visit.

Music City Wine and Spirits

Music City Wine and Spirits is known for its friendly staff and good selection of craft beers. If you're looking for a beer store with excellent customer service, this is the place to go. Located in Donelson, it's a convenient option for those in the area.

Mount Juliet Beer Company

Mount Juliet Beer Company is a great choice for those who want to support local Tennessee breweries. They offer a selection of craft beers and are known for their support of local brewers. If you're looking for a place to discover new and interesting local beers, Mount Juliet Beer Company is worth considering.

Frugal MacDoogal

Frugal MacDoogal is another popular option for beer lovers in Nashville. With over 500 brands of beer, they offer a wide range of options to suit different tastes. They also provide delivery services for orders over $250 within Davidson County. Frugal MacDoogal is a good choice for those looking for convenience and a large selection.

Southern Collective Spirit Company

The Southern Collective Spirit Company offers a unique experience, allowing customers to select their own whiskey straight from the barrel and even choose their bottle shape, wax colour, and name. While it may be known more for its whiskey, it also has a good selection of beer and is worth a visit for those looking for a unique drinking experience.

Beer permit requirements

The sale of beer in Nashville, Tennessee, is governed by a set of regulations that outline the requirements for obtaining a beer permit, the permitted hours of sale, and the types of establishments where beer can be purchased. Here is a detailed overview of the beer permit requirements in Nashville:

Beer Permit Application:

• The Metropolitan Beer Permit Board of Nashville requires individuals or businesses intending to sell beer to obtain a beer permit.
• Beer Permit Applications can be submitted electronically through the ePermits system.
• The Metro Beer Board also offers pre-inspection measurements for potential beer establishments to ensure compliance with distance requirements from schools, churches, daycare centres, and single or two-family dwellings.

Types of Beer Permits:

• Special Event Beer Permit: This permit is required for selling beer at special events. The Fire Marshal's office mandates that all requests for this permit be submitted at least 15 days in advance.
• Temporary Permit: Issued for specific occasions, this permit incurs an $8.33 privilege tax.

Hours of Sale:

• Packaged Beer Sales: Beer in packages can be sold from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. on Sundays and 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. from Monday to Saturday.
• Beer Sales in Bars and Restaurants: Beer can be served in bars and restaurants from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. on Sundays and 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. from Monday to Saturday.

Places of Sale:

• Beer Stores: Nashville has dedicated beer stores, including craft beer stores, where individuals over the legal drinking age can purchase a variety of beers.
• Grocery and Convenience Stores: These stores are permitted to sell beer, including craft beers, but the alcoholic content is limited to a maximum of five percent by weight.
• Liquor Stores: Liquor stores in Nashville sell wine and hard liquor, as well as beers with an alcohol content above six percent ABW.

Age Restrictions:

It is mandatory to be 21 years of age or older to purchase alcohol, including beer, in Nashville, and a valid ID is required for verification.

Dry Counties:

While Nashville does not have any dry counties nearby, there are several dry counties in Tennessee, such as Moore County, where the sale of alcohol is prohibited.

Alcohol sales timings

In Nashville, Tennessee, the sale of alcohol is subject to specific timings, which vary depending on the day of the week and the type of alcohol being sold.

Packaged Alcohol Sales Timings:

• Monday to Saturday: Packaged liquor sales are allowed from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Meanwhile, packaged beer and wine can be sold from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
• Sundays: The sale of packaged liquor is prohibited. However, packaged beer and wine can be sold from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.

Bars and Restaurants Alcohol Sales Timings:

• Monday to Saturday: Liquor, beer, and wine can be served in bars and restaurants from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
• Sundays: Alcohol sales in bars and restaurants are permitted from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.

It is worth noting that these timings may be impacted by holidays, with some sources indicating that liquor stores are typically closed on certain holidays. Additionally, there are variations in the laws regarding the sale of different types of alcohol. Beer can be purchased at any time in grocery and convenience stores, while liquor and wine must be bought at liquor stores.

Nashville also has some unique quirks regarding corkscrews and mixers. For instance, liquor stores, the only places that sell wine, are not allowed to sell corkscrews, so customers must go elsewhere for that essential item. Furthermore, due to limited options for mixers at liquor/wine stores, it is recommended to purchase mixers before arriving in Nashville or from a convenience store during your stay.

Liquor stores vs. grocery stores

In Nashville, Tennessee, the sale of alcohol is subject to various regulations, and these differ for liquor stores and grocery stores. Firstly, in terms of opening hours, liquor stores are prohibited from selling packaged liquor on Sundays. They may sell packaged liquor from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday. In contrast, grocery stores can sell packaged beer and wine from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. on Sundays and 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. on weekdays. This means that grocery stores offer more flexibility for those looking to purchase alcohol early in the morning or late at night.

The type of alcohol sold also varies between liquor stores and grocery stores. Liquor stores are the only places allowed to sell wine, and they also sell beer and spirits. Grocery stores, on the other hand, can only sell beer, and even then, there are restrictions. They are only permitted to sell beer with an alcoholic content of up to five per cent by weight. This means that for wines and stronger beers, customers must visit a liquor store.

Liquor stores in Nashville also offer a more specialised experience. For example, the Southern Collective Spirit Company allows customers to select their whiskey straight from the barrel and choose their bottle shape, wax colour, and name. Frugal MacDoogal, another liquor store, offers a rewards club with member-only prices and online shopping with delivery options.

Nashville's grocery stores provide convenience, especially for those who are not solely focused on alcohol purchases. They allow customers to buy beer alongside their everyday grocery shopping. Additionally, the extended opening hours for alcohol sales in grocery stores mean that they are more accessible for those with busy schedules or those looking to purchase alcohol outside of standard working hours.

In summary, liquor stores and grocery stores in Nashville have distinct characteristics. Liquor stores are the exclusive sellers of wine and stronger beers, while grocery stores offer the convenience of purchasing beer alongside groceries and have more flexible opening hours for alcohol sales.

Nashville's craft beer scene

One of the pioneers of the craft beer movement in Nashville is the Yazoo Brewing Company, which has been in operation since 2003. Yazoo offers a range of classic ale styles, including a Hefeweizen, a pale ale, and an American brown ale. They also feature sour beers, such as their Embrace the Funk series, and host brewery tours for enthusiasts.

Tennessee Brew Works, which opened in 2013, is another popular destination for craft beer lovers. Their taproom often features live music and offers a rotating selection of beers, including the Basil Ryeman, a spicy farmhouse ale, and the Country Roots, a sweet potato stout.

For those seeking a more intimate setting, Czann's Brewing Co. is a one-man operation located south of downtown Nashville. Czann's offers a variety of crisp and easy-drinking beers, such as their pale ale, IPA, and blonde ale, perfect for summer days.

Bearded Iris Brewing, named after Tennessee's state flower, occupies a former industrial space in the Germantown neighbourhood. Their taproom, with its eclectic grandma's-attic style, features an antique wooden bar and wing-back chairs. They offer a 'hoppy hour' with discounted IPAs during weekdays.

With its mix of established breweries and new experimental ventures, Nashville's craft beer scene is dynamic and ever-evolving, offering a diverse range of options for beer enthusiasts to explore.

Frequently asked questions