Arabella Franco
Tennessee has strict laws regulating the sale of alcohol, and these vary across the state. In 14 counties, the sale of wines and spirits is prohibited by default, while grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations are permitted to sell beer from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day of the week. Liquor or package stores are allowed to sell beer, wine, and spirits from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on weekdays, and they must close on Sundays. As of 2023, liquor stores are permitted to open on Sundays, and grocery stores can sell wine on Sundays between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to buy beer | Grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, liquor or package stores |
| When to buy beer | 8 am – 11 pm, Monday to Saturday |
| Beer sales on Sundays | Allowed since 2019 |
| Beer sales on holidays | Not allowed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter |
| Age restriction | 21 years and above |
| ID requirements | A valid (unexpired), government-issued document with the customer's photograph and birth date |
| Fines for using a fake ID | $50 to $200 |
| Legal drinking limit | 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) |
| Open container laws | Prohibited in vehicles and in public areas |
| Exceptions to open container laws | Limousines, community events, sidewalk cafes |
| Serving alcohol | 18 years and above |
What You'll Learn
Beer in grocery stores
Tennessee has a long history of temperance beliefs and has many dry counties, meaning that they prohibit the sale of beer, wine, and spirits. However, in the rest of the state, beer, wine, and spirits are available for purchase in grocery stores.
Grocery stores in Tennessee are permitted to sell beer from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day of the week. They can also sell wine during these hours, except on Sundays. Liquor stores are not allowed to operate on Sundays, so if you're looking for spirits, Monday through Saturday is your only option.
It's important to note that alcohol sales are prohibited on certain holidays in Tennessee. You won't be able to purchase any alcoholic beverages in grocery stores on Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter. So, if you're planning a party or get-together on these days, make sure to stock up in advance!
Additionally, Tennessee has strict laws regarding the minimum age for purchasing and consuming alcohol. Only individuals who are 21 years of age or older are allowed to buy and consume alcohol. Using a fake ID to purchase alcohol is considered a criminal offense and can result in fines ranging from $50 to $200.
When buying beer or any other alcoholic beverage in Tennessee, it's essential to be aware of the state's alcohol laws and regulations. Make sure to follow the designated hours and days for purchasing alcohol and always have a valid ID if you're of legal drinking age.
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Liquor stores
Tennessee has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol, and these vary depending on the type of retailer and the day of the week.
Until recently, it was prohibited to sell wine and liquor in Tennessee on Sundays. However, a new law now allows liquor stores to operate on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. This change in legislation is expected to increase state revenue.
It is important to note that Tennessee has many dry counties, where the sale of alcohol is prohibited by default. These counties must pass local option laws to permit the sale of alcohol. As such, it is always a good idea to check the local laws before purchasing alcohol in Tennessee.
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Convenience stores
Operating Hours and Days:
Location:
While convenience stores are scattered throughout the state, it is important to note that Tennessee has several dry counties, where the sale of alcohol is prohibited. These counties include Crockett, Fentress, Hancock, Houston, Johnson, Lake, Macon, McNairy, Meigs, Morgan, Pickett, Rhea, and Stewart. If you reside in or are visiting one of these counties, you will not be able to purchase beer from convenience stores or any other retailer.
Age Restrictions:
Tennessee has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol to minors. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. Additionally, individuals below the age of 18 are not allowed to work as servers or sellers of alcohol in convenience stores or any other establishment. Always remember to carry a valid ID when purchasing beer, as using a fake ID is considered a criminal offense and can result in fines.
Holiday Restrictions:
Other Restrictions:
Tennessee has strict laws against driving under the influence (DUI). It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For drivers under the age of 21, the limit is much lower at 0.02% BAC. Tennessee also has open container laws, prohibiting open containers of alcohol in the seating area of a vehicle, including parked cars.
In summary, convenience stores in Tennessee offer a convenient option for purchasing beer, with flexible operating hours and a wide range of options. However, it is important to abide by the state's laws regarding alcohol purchase, consumption, and possession to avoid any legal repercussions.
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Gas stations
Tennessee has a long history of temperance beliefs and has many dry counties, which are prohibition counties. In these counties, the sale of wines and spirits is prohibited by default, and separate legislation must be passed to allow the sale of alcohol. There are 14 such counties in the state.
Tennessee alcohol laws apply to all residents and visitors. The legal drinking age in the state is 21, and it is illegal for those under 21 to consume alcohol, even for religious purposes. It is also illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of more than 0.02%.
The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on certain days, including January 1st, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, and December 25th. Additionally, alcohol cannot be sold on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
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Restaurants and bars
If you're looking to buy beer in Tennessee, you can head to any bar or restaurant that serves alcohol. Here's what you need to know about drinking at bars and restaurants in the state:
Hours of Operation
Bars and restaurants with on-premises consumption licenses can serve alcohol from 8 am to 3 am, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, they can start serving at 10 am and must stop by 3 am. These hours apply to both beer and liquor sales.
ID Requirements
Tennessee has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol to minors. It is illegal to serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, and servers must check the IDs of anyone who does not appear to be at least 50 years old. The consequences for selling alcohol to a minor are severe and can include license suspension, community service, probation, and a permanent criminal record.
Open Container Laws
Tennessee law prohibits possessing an open container of alcohol in the seating area of a vehicle, including both drivers and passengers. This law even applies to parked cars. However, passengers are allowed to drink alcohol in limousines, as long as there is no open container in the driver's compartment.
Happy Hour
Bars and restaurants in Tennessee are allowed to have happy hour specials until 10 pm local time. After 10 pm, they cannot serve more than one drink to a customer at a time or increase the volume of alcohol in a drink without raising the price. However, general discounts that don't fall into these categories are allowed at any time.
Food Requirements
Tennessee law requires restaurants and limited-service restaurants to maintain minimum seating for 40 people. Additionally, limited-service restaurants are categorized based on the percentage of food sold.
Advertising Restrictions
Bars and restaurants are prohibited from advertising free alcoholic drinks or drinks sold below cost. They also cannot have their advertising costs reimbursed by alcohol suppliers.
Special Occasion Licenses
Nonprofit, charitable, and political organizations can obtain special occasion licenses to sell alcohol within a venue or sell sealed containers of alcoholic beverages for consumption off-site. These licenses are valid for up to 24 continuous hours, and the organization must ensure that alcohol is not served to minors or visibly intoxicated individuals.
Server Permit Requirements
Anyone serving alcohol in a bar or restaurant in Tennessee must obtain a server permit from the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). This includes servers, bartenders, and managers who have duties related to the selling and dispensing of alcohol. The permit costs $20 and is valid for five years.
Training Requirements
In addition to the server permit, anyone serving alcohol must complete a TABC-approved alcohol awareness training program. This training must be at least 3.5 hours long, and servers have 61 days from the start of their job to complete it.
Pregnancy Warning
Bars and restaurants in Tennessee are required to post a pregnancy warning sign in a prominent place. Failure to do so can result in a fine of $25 per day.
Record-Keeping
Bars and restaurants are also required to maintain records, which must be made available to the TABC upon request. These records should include copies of server permits for all employees and can be kept in electronic format.
Smoking Restrictions
To obtain a server permit, individuals must be at least 18 years old. However, if the establishment allows smoking, servers must be at least 21.
Holiday Restrictions
It is illegal to sell alcoholic beverages on January 1st, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, and December 25th. Additionally, alcohol cannot be sold on Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving in grocery stores.
Markups
Tennessee law requires a minimum markup of 10% on liquor, spirits, and high-gravity beer, and 20% on wine.
Tastings
Bars and restaurants in Tennessee are allowed to conduct complimentary tastings during their operating hours. Samples are limited to 2 ounces of wine or high-gravity beer and half an ounce of liquor per person per day.
Takeout and Delivery
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tennessee temporarily allowed the sale of mixed drinks and wine servings for off-premises consumption. Additionally, retail package stores can deliver alcoholic beverages to residents, but only employees of the store can make deliveries, and they must check the ID of the purchaser.
Licensing Requirements
Bars and restaurants must obtain the appropriate licenses to sell alcohol, and there are different types of licenses depending on the specific situation. For example, a winery that only serves its own wine does not need an additional license, but if it wants to serve other alcoholic beverages, it must obtain a separate restaurant license.
Tennessee has comprehensive laws and regulations regarding the sale and service of alcohol in bars and restaurants. These establishments play an essential role in the state's hospitality industry, and by following these rules, they can ensure their customers have a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Beer can be purchased at grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations in Tennessee. These stores can sell beer from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Liquor or package stores can also sell beer, but they are closed on Sundays.
Yes, there are a few restrictions to keep in mind. Firstly, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase beer in Tennessee. Additionally, beer sales are prohibited on certain holidays, including Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Finally, there are some "dry counties" in Tennessee where the sale of beer and other alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
Yes, you can buy beer on Sundays in Tennessee. Grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations can sell beer on Sundays, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. However, liquor stores are required to be closed on Sundays.
