When Can You Legally Buy Beer In Tennessee?

Tennessee's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to buying beer. Here's a quick guide to help you navigate the rules:

Where to Buy Beer:

- Bars and restaurants

- Package and liquor stores

- Breweries and taprooms

- Grocery stores

- Convenience stores

- Gas stations

When to Buy Beer:

In Tennessee, beer can be purchased from 8 am to 11 pm, Monday through Saturday, and from 10 am to 11 pm on Sundays. Bars and restaurants can sell beer until 3 am every day except Sunday, when the cut-off is the same as other retailers.

Days Beer Cannot Be Sold:

Beer sales are prohibited on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter.

Age Restrictions:

The minimum drinking age in Tennessee is 21, and anyone selling alcohol must check the ID of anyone who appears to be under 50. Selling alcohol to minors is a Class A misdemeanour.

Beer, wine, and liquor can be purchased from 8 am to 11 pm Monday to Saturday

In Tennessee, beer, wine, and liquor can be purchased from 8 am to 11 pm, Monday to Saturday. This applies to both on- and off-premises establishments, including bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and liquor stores.

However, it's important to note that alcohol sales are prohibited on certain holidays, including Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. So, if you're planning to stock up for a festive celebration, be sure to do so in advance.

Additionally, Tennessee has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol to minors. It is illegal to sell or serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, and establishments can face penalties for doing so. Tennessee also requires servers and sellers of alcohol to obtain a permit or license, such as the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) license, to ensure responsible alcohol service.

The state also has specific regulations for employees between the ages of 18 and 20 who work in establishments that serve alcohol. These employees are restricted from serving in certain areas and have limited duties related to alcohol service.

When purchasing alcohol in Tennessee, individuals must provide a valid, government-issued photo ID to prove they are of legal drinking age. The minimum drinking age in the state is 21, and it is a criminal offense to use a fake ID to purchase alcohol.

It's worth noting that Tennessee's alcohol laws can vary by county, with some counties having additional restrictions on alcohol sales and consumption. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the local regulations in your specific area to ensure compliance with the law.

Alcohol cannot be bought on Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter

In Tennessee, alcohol cannot be purchased on Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter. This restriction applies to grocery stores, liquor stores, and retail food stores. However, restaurants, bars, hotels, and other liquor-by-the-drink establishments are allowed to sell alcohol on these holidays.

The sale of alcohol is also prohibited on Sundays until 10:00 a.m. in the state of Tennessee. This restriction was lifted in 2019, allowing grocery and liquor stores to sell beer, wine, and liquor seven days a week.

Bars and restaurants can sell beer until 3 am

In Tennessee, bars and restaurants are legally allowed to sell beer between the hours of 8 am and 3 am Monday through Saturday, and 10 am and 3 am on Sunday.

While the sale of beer is permitted until 3 am, some bars and restaurants may choose to close earlier, around 2 am, or even before midnight if they are connected to a restaurant that doesn't serve alcohol.

It is prohibited for businesses to give out free drinks, including beer. Bars and restaurants will often have beer on tap as well as cans and bottles. Patrons can currently purchase up to 16oz of beer to-go as long as they are also buying food.

You must be 21 to buy alcohol in Tennessee

In the state of Tennessee, you must be at least 21 years old to buy alcohol. This is in line with the rest of the United States, which also has a minimum drinking age of 21.

Tennessee alcohol laws apply to all residents and visitors. These laws may vary locally to a degree, and some counties have more restrictions on alcohol sales or consumption than others. For example, in 14 counties, the sale of wines and spirits is prohibited by default, and these counties must legislate their own laws to allow the sale of certain liquors.

Tennessee has fairly straightforward laws around drinking, but county by county, regulations vary. Beer is permissible for sale and consumption in almost every county without changing the county's designation from 'dry' to 'wet'.

The state allows for the sale of beer in retail centers from 8 am until 11 pm, Monday to Saturday. Bars and restaurants may continue to sell beer until 3 am. No beer can be sold before 10 am on Sundays or on Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.

On Sundays, retail locations (such as grocery stores or package stores) may sell beer between 10 am and 11 pm, while bars and restaurants may serve beer between 10 am and 3 am.

Tennessee law states that anyone selling alcohol is required to check the ID of any person who does not reasonably appear to be 50 years old or older at the time of purchase. The identification must be a valid (not expired), government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, driver's license, or ID card.

Selling alcohol to a minor or failing to verify identification is a Class A misdemeanour under Tennessee law.

Grocery stores can sell beer from 8 am to 11 pm Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 11 pm on Sundays

In Tennessee, grocery stores are permitted to sell beer from 8 am to 11 pm, Monday through Saturday, and from 10 am to 11 pm on Sundays. These hours are the same for liquor stores and other off-premises establishments.

However, it's important to note that grocery stores and off-premises establishments are not permitted to sell alcohol on Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter. So, if you're planning a party or get-together on one of these holidays, you'll need to stock up on beer and other alcoholic beverages in advance.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that Tennessee has specific laws regarding the minimum age for selling and consuming alcohol. Individuals below the age of 18 cannot serve or sell alcohol by any means. The minimum drinking age in the state is 21, and using a fake ID to purchase alcohol is considered a criminal offense, with fines ranging from $50 to $200.

Bars and restaurants, which are considered on-premises establishments, have different operating hours and are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages starting at 8 am, Monday through Saturday, and 10 am on Sundays. However, they must stop selling drinks and close their doors by 3 am at the latest every day.

Frequently asked questions