Thanksgiving Beer Run: Tennessee's Alcohol Laws Explained

Thanksgiving is a busy time for most people, and it's easy to forget to stock up on alcohol for the festivities. Whether you can buy beer on Thanksgiving Day depends on the state you live in. In Tennessee, beer, wine, and spirits can be sold from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. However, alcohol sales are prohibited on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. So, if you're in Tennessee, you won't be able to buy beer on Thanksgiving Day. It's best to plan ahead and stock up before the holiday to avoid any last-minute stresses!

Alcohol sales on Sundays

In April 2018, Governor Bill Haslam signed a bill into law that allowed liquor stores to open seven days a week and for grocery stores to sell wine on Sundays, starting on 6 January 2019. This law also aligned the hours of wine sales with those of beer sales, meaning liquor stores can sell alcoholic beverages between 10 am and 11 pm on Sundays, unless otherwise defined by the jurisdiction. From 6 January 2019, grocery stores could sell wine during those same hours on Sundays.

The law also permits the sale of beer, wine, and spirits on Labor Day, New Year's Day, and the Fourth of July. Alcohol sales remain prohibited on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

Liquor stores must "mark up" the price of spirits by 10% and the price of wine by 20%, as required by Tennessee state law.

Liquor laws in Tennessee

Tennessee has a long history of temperance beliefs and has many dry counties, meaning that the sale of alcohol is prohibited. By default, all counties and municipalities in the state are dry and must pass local option laws to permit the sale of alcohol. There are currently 14 dry counties in Tennessee.

The state has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol to minors. It is illegal for those under 21 to consume alcohol for any reason, including religious purposes. Tennessee also has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking under 21 and driving, with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.02%. The state also prohibits adults from buying alcohol for minors, and minors from trying to buy alcohol or using false IDs.

In Tennessee, grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations may sell beer from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day of the week, and wine except on Sundays. Liquor or package stores may sell beer, wine, and spirits from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and must close on Sundays. Restaurants and bars may serve alcohol by the drink from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., Monday to Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 a.m. on Sundays.

It is illegal to sell alcoholic beverages on January 1st, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and December 25th.

While liquor laws vary from state to state, in Tennessee, it is illegal to sell alcohol on Thanksgiving. However, some privately owned retailers may choose to remain open.

Alcohol sales on Thanksgiving in other states

The sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving varies from state to state across the US. Some states have state-operated liquor stores, while others are more lenient with alcohol sales. Some states only allow beer to be sold in supermarkets, while others don't restrict the type of alcohol sold.

States that sell alcohol on Thanksgiving

Louisiana, Oregon, and Pennsylvania are among the states that allow the sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving. However, some areas within these states may restrict liquor sales on Thanksgiving Day. For example, in Pennsylvania, state-operated liquor stores will be closed.

States that prohibit alcohol sales on Thanksgiving

Alabama, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia are among the states that prohibit the sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving. However, some of these states may allow the purchase of beer and wine. For instance, in Alabama, beer and wine may be purchased, but spirits will not be for sale.

Buying alcohol in Tennessee on Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, and for many, that includes enjoying a drink or two. But what if you realise you've forgotten to stock up on booze? Can you buy alcohol in Tennessee on Thanksgiving Day?

State Laws

The laws around alcohol sales vary from state to state, and even from county to county. Some states have state-operated liquor stores, while others are more relaxed and allow private retailers to sell alcohol. In some states, only certain types of alcohol can be sold in supermarkets, and some states prohibit alcohol sales entirely on certain days. So, what's the situation in Tennessee?

Alcohol Sales in Tennessee

In Tennessee, alcohol sales are prohibited on Thanksgiving. This applies to all types of alcohol, including liquor, wine, and beer. So, if you're in Tennessee and need to buy alcohol on Thanksgiving Day, you're out of luck. All alcohol sales are banned, and both privately-owned retailers and state-controlled liquor stores will be closed.

Plan Ahead

Thanksgiving is a busy time, and it's easy to forget something important, like buying enough alcohol. To avoid any last-minute stress, it's best to plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need before Thanksgiving Day arrives.

However, don't forget that Tennessee does allow alcohol sales on some holidays. Alcohol can be purchased on Labor Day, New Year's Day, and the Fourth of July. So, if you stock up in advance, you can still enjoy a drink with your Thanksgiving dinner.

Check Local Laws

While alcohol sales are banned on Thanksgiving across Tennessee, it's always worth checking the specific laws in your county or city. Some areas may have slight variations on the state laws, so it's worth being aware of any local ordinances that could impact your ability to buy alcohol.

Contact Stores

If you're unsure about the alcohol sales situation in your area, it's a good idea to contact your local stores directly. They will be able to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information about their opening hours and whether they are allowed to sell alcohol on Thanksgiving Day.

In conclusion, while Tennessee does prohibit alcohol sales on Thanksgiving, there are still ways to enjoy a drink with your holiday meal if you plan ahead. And, of course, there's always the option to enjoy a drink on one of the other days when alcohol sales are permitted in the state.

Alcohol sales on holidays in Tennessee

From Monday to Saturday, grocery and liquor stores in Tennessee are permitted to sell beer, wine, and liquor from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. On Sundays, alcohol sales are limited to between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

However, the sale of alcohol is prohibited on certain holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. This ban includes liquor, wine, and beer, and applies to all retailers, including grocery stores and liquor stores.

While some states allow privately-owned retailers to remain open during these holidays, Tennessee's laws apply across the board, ensuring that all retailers are closed for alcohol sales on Thanksgiving.

This legislation was passed to increase state and local revenues and ease confusion among customers, who previously faced varying rules depending on the day of the week and the type of alcohol being purchased.

So, if you're planning a holiday gathering in Tennessee, be sure to stock up on your alcoholic beverages ahead of time, as you won't be able to purchase any on Thanksgiving Day itself.

Frequently asked questions