Liquor-by-the-drink license holders have been receiving notices from the Tennessee Department of Revenue....more
Technically, it is illegal to sell CBD in Tennessee without a license beginning today. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture states: “From July 1 until September 30, 2024, we will issue licenses and conduct outreach to...more
The Tennessee ABC has new rules for catering alcoholic beverages.
The new rules add specific requirements for what constitutes a commercial catering kitchen. To qualify for a catering license, applicants “are required...more
On Tuesday, the FTC announced a rule that will ban noncompete agreements nationwide. What should you do?...more
Nashville has enacted a city ordinance that makes the definition of beer consistent with state law. Previously, the Metro Nashville Beer Board allowed the sale of RTDs made from distilled spirits with a beer permit, if the...more
Effective July 1, 2023, liquor-by-the-drink license holders – aka LBD – can choose their license expiration date. This allows restaurants, bars, hotels and other LBD license holders with multiple licenses to set one or more...more
Tennessee’s new law regulating Cannabidiol - aka CBD – takes effect July 1, 2023. The law is part of a comprehensive regulatory regime that will be phased in over the next year....more
Last call for alcohol to go is 11:59 PM June 30, 2023. Cocktails to go expires in Tennessee on July 1, 2023.
There are special rules for beer....more
Legislation headed to the governor’s desk changes Tennessee law to allow grocery stores to sell wine coolers and a broad array of wine products that were previously taboo. SB497 / HB411 changes the definition of wine for...more
Gun violence and gun control are hot topics here in Tennessee. We have been hearing from folks asking: how can I prohibit firearms in my restaurant, bar or other Tennessee business?...more
SB1327/HB0594 is set for hearing today in the Senate and Wednesday in the House. There have been significant changes since our last update on this proposed legislation...more
We hear this question quite a bit, usually prefaced by: “I’m not really into that kind of stuff, but my customers are asking, can I sell Delta 8 and other THC gummies at my bar? How about brownies and chocolate bars?”...more
Reliable sources say the Tennessee General Assembly is poised to introduce legislation to take away jurisdiction over beer at restaurants and limited service restaurants from the Metro Nashville Beer Board. HB0594 is...more
Tennessee’s statute that authorizes carry out alcohol is set to sunset July 1 of this year. We keep hearing the question: will cocktails to go be extended?
Legislation backed by the state hospitality association was set...more
The industry is all abuzz about Sazerac’s flavored malt beverage “brand-extension” of its popular Fireball Cinnamon Whisky. Here is a single serving – aka shot – of the original 66 proof distilled spirit:...more
Here's an oft-repeated question: can I "brown bag" — bring my own wine — in a restaurant, hotel or bar that holds a liquor license in Tennessee?
Surprise, surprise — yes, you can. In an unusual twist of Tennessee liquor...more
Tennessee liquor laws are hopelessly complex, and the rules for sake are among the most byzantine.
Sake is rice wine. Is it wine under Tennessee law?...more
With Dallas’s Law taking effect January 1, 2023, folks in the alcohol industry are asking: what do I need to do to comply with the new Tennessee security laws?
The draconian penalty for failing to comply – a mandatory...more
Restaurant, hospitality and grocery insiders call it The Wall. You know, the place where you have to publicly display your liquor license and other stuff the State of Tennessee issues.
We hear it all too often from...more
Generations of restauranteurs and hoteliers were told they cannot give away liquor. Since liquor by the drink was originally adopted in Tennessee in the late 1960s, it was illegal to give away wine or spirits at any...more
State-wide self-distribution in Tennessee began October 1, 2021 for brewers. Rob Pinson and yours truly prepared the following summary of this ground-breaking law. Enjoy brewing, self-distributing and making money. In the...more
Twice a year, we hear from restaurants and bars about springing forward or falling back for Daylight Savings Time. How does Daylight Savings Time work for last call and closing at Tennessee bars and restaurants?...more
With the final nail in the coffin for Halloween, folks are starting to think about winter festivities and who can sell alcohol on those hallowed holidays....more
The Tennessee ABC liquor-by-the-drink application and renewal applications ask in Question 15: "Do you intend at any point during the next license year to produce, store, sell or offer for sale infusions as that term is...more
The rules on happy hour in Tennessee can drive you to drink. Make that a double.
Nothing good seems to happens after 10 pm, or at least so thinks the Tennessee state legislature. After 10 pm, bars cannot:
sell or serve...more