Tennessee's Sunday Alcohol Sales Law: Beer, Wine, And More

Tennessee's liquor laws have been a source of frustration for many residents, especially those who enjoy a drink on Sundays. Until recently, it was illegal for retail food stores to sell wine on Sundays, leaving many shoppers frustrated and confused. This meant that Tennesseans had to stock up on wine the day before, as it was also prohibited to sell any alcoholic beverages on Sundays, as well as on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. However, a new law passed in April 2023 now allows liquor stores to operate seven days a week, including Sundays, and grocery stores will be able to sell wine on Sundays from January 2024. This change brings Tennessee in line with most other states that permit seven-day sales of liquor and wine.

Alcohol sales are prohibited on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter

The ban on alcohol sales during these holidays is part of Tennessee's liquor laws, which can be quite strict. For example, until recently, the sale of wine and liquor was prohibited on Sundays at retail stores in the state. However, a new law passed in 2018 allows liquor stores to be open on Sundays and permits wine to be sold in grocery stores on that day.

• Grocery and liquor stores can sell alcohol from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Sundays.
• Bars must stop selling drinks and close their doors by 3:00 a.m. at the latest.
• The legal drinking age in Tennessee is 21, and it is illegal for businesses to serve alcohol to minors in bars or restaurants, even in the presence and with the permission of a parent or guardian.
• Open container laws prohibit possessing an open container of alcohol in the seating area of a vehicle, including parked cars.
• The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving is 0.08 or higher, and it is illegal for anyone under 21 to have any detectable amount of alcohol in their system while operating a vehicle.

Grocery and liquor stores can sell alcohol from 8 am to 11 pm Monday to Saturday

Tennessee's liquor laws underwent some changes in 2018, with the passing of a bill that allowed grocery and liquor stores to sell alcohol from 8 am to 11 pm, Monday to Saturday. This law came into effect in January 2019, and was a welcome change for many residents, who no longer needed to stock up on wine and liquor the day before Sunday.

The new law also permits the sale of beer, wine, and spirits on Labor Day, New Year's Day, and the Fourth of July. However, it is important to note that alcohol sales remain prohibited on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

While the new law allows grocery and liquor stores to sell alcohol until 11 pm on weekdays, bars must stop serving drinks by 3 am at the latest. Additionally, individuals below the age of 18 cannot serve or sell alcohol, and only those 21 and above are allowed to purchase and consume it.

Alcohol sales are allowed from 10 am to 11 pm on Sundays

The law was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly, which approved HB 1540, allowing liquor stores to be open on Sundays and grocery stores to sell wine on Sundays. This change was made to align the hours of wine sales with beer sales, which were already permitted on Sundays.

The new law is a win-win for everyone, as it is expected to increase state revenue and provide convenience to customers who can now purchase wine along with their groceries on Sundays. It also eases the frustration of grocers who had to turn away customers adding wine to their carts on Sundays.

However, it is important to note that alcohol sales are not permitted on certain holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Additionally, liquor stores must "mark up" the price of spirits by 10% as required by Tennessee state law.

You must be 18 to serve or sell alcohol and 21 to buy and consume it

In Tennessee, you must be 18 to serve or sell alcohol and 21 to buy and consume it.

Tennessee law states that anyone who is 18 years of age or older can transport, possess, sell or dispense alcoholic beverages (including beer) in the course of their employment. However, a person under the age of 18 cannot process a sale or bag beer in the course of their employment.

There are some restrictions for employees between the ages of 18 and 20. They may never:

• Serve drinks in the bar or lounge area
• Take food orders in areas prohibited to minors

In areas of the business where minors are permitted, individuals aged 18 to 20 must primarily be employed for food service. However, within the scope of food service, they can take orders for and serve alcohol, pour drinks for patrons at the table, and draw from a tap as long as the tap is not in a restricted area. They are only allowed to enter areas where minors are not permitted to perform limited duties such as restocking supplies, setting or clearing tables, and delivering food.

The legal drinking age in Tennessee is 21. However, there is an exception to this rule. Parents or legal guardians are allowed to provide alcohol to their minor children under 21, but only in a private residence and only if they are present with their child throughout the entire duration.

It is strictly prohibited for businesses to serve alcohol to minors in bars or restaurants. While some states allow this in the presence and with the permission of a parent or guardian, Tennessee has specific regulations against it.

Tennessee requires all personnel who serve and dispense alcohol to obtain a Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) license or server permit

In Tennessee, it is now possible to buy wine and liquor on Sundays. Grocery and liquor stores are permitted to sell beer, wine, and liquor from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Sundays. However, alcohol sales are prohibited on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Tennessee has strict regulations regarding the sale and service of alcohol. All personnel who serve and dispense alcohol are required to obtain a Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) license or server permit. This includes anyone who works at a place that serves alcohol for on-premise consumption, such as restaurants and bars. The requirements and application process for obtaining a server permit are outlined as follows:

Requirements for a Server Permit in Tennessee:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Applicants must complete a TABC-certified alcohol awareness program within one year of the application date.
• Applicants must not have any felony convictions or convictions related to the sale of alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or any sex-related crimes within the previous eight years.
• Applicants must not have had a similar permit revoked by any jurisdiction within the previous five years.
• Applicants must not have had any ownership interest in any alcohol-related licenses that have been revoked within the previous eight years.

Application Process for a Server Permit in Tennessee:

• Applicants can apply for the permit using the Regulatory Licensing & Permitting System (RLPS).
• Applicants must create an RLPS account and complete the server permit application online.
• Applicants must upload the required documents and pay the application fee, which is typically under $30.
• Applicants are responsible for printing their server permits from the RLPS account once approved.
• Permits are valid for five years and must be renewed before expiration to avoid interruptions.

It is important to note that the TABC reviews applications thoroughly, and submitting an application does not guarantee approval. By enforcing these requirements and regulations, Tennessee ensures that alcohol is served and sold responsibly within the state.

Frequently asked questions