So You Want to Get a Liquor License in Tennessee? Here’s What You Need to Know

Getting a liquor license in Tennessee can be a daunting task. With so many different regulations and stipulations in place, it’s important to know exactly what you need to do to obtain the right license for your business. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the process of getting a liquor license in Tennessee and the requirements you need to meet in order to be eligible. We’ll also provide some helpful tips on how to make sure your application is successful. Whether you’re opening a bar, restaurant, or liquor store, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to get started on your Tennessee liquor license.

The Basics: What is a liquor license?

If you are a business owner looking to serve alcohol in Tennessee, you will need to obtain a liquor license. A liquor license is an official authorization issued by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) that permits the sale of alcoholic beverages on premises or in retail stores. Liquor licenses are regulated by state law, and the requirements for obtaining one can vary from state to state.

In Tennessee, it is important to understand that there are different types of licenses available depending on your needs. For example, if you want to open a bar or restaurant, you will need a “on-premise” license, while if you plan to sell alcohol at a grocery store or other retail outlet, you will need a “off-premise” license. In addition, the TABC regulates all establishments that serve alcohol, and has set regulations regarding the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Tennessee.

It is important to note that the process for obtaining a liquor license in Tennessee can be lengthy and costly. Depending on the type of license you are looking for, you may need to submit an application along with several documents to the TABC. Additionally, you will have to pay a fee and participate in an inspection by the TABC before the license is granted. Once approved, the license will be valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Failure to renew a license can result if revocation and having to apply again. 

How to get a liquor license in Tennessee

Obtaining a liquor license in Tennessee can be a tricky and time-consuming process, but it is necessary if you want to legally serve alcoholic beverages in your establishment. The state of Tennessee has some specific regulations regarding the sale of alcohol, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws before applying for a liquor license.

To get a liquor license in Tennessee, you must first apply for a permit through the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). The application process can generally be divided in three steps:

1. 1. Submit an application with your application fee to the TABC through the RLPS. You will need to provide personal information, business information, and proof of identity.
   2. Once your application is approved, you will need to take an approved seller/server training course. This is a required course to help ensure that you understand the laws related to selling and serving alcohol.
   3. After completing the training course, you will need to pass a background check and show proof of insurance.

Once all of these steps have been completed, you can submit your application and pay the fee to receive your liquor license. You should expect to wait anywhere from two weeks to two months for your liquor license to be approved and issued.

It’s important to note that the fees and requirements for obtaining a liquor license in Tennessee may vary depending on the type of license you are applying for, so make sure you research the rules thoroughly before submitting your application. Additionally, some types of licenses may require additional steps or fees, such as obtaining a local alcohol license from the city or county where your business is located.

The different types of liquor licenses

When it comes to obtaining a liquor license in Tennessee, there are a variety of options available to you. The type of liquor license you need will depend on the type of business you are running and the activities you plan to offer. While there are at least 17 different types of liquor licenses in Tennessee (full list here), here is a brief overview of some of the different types of liquor licenses that may be available to you and your business:

1. 1. Liquor-by-the-Drink License: This type of license is for businesses that wish to sell and/or serve alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises. This type of license typically applies to restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, caterers, special occasions and festivals.
   2. Retail Package Liquor Store License: This type of license is for businesses that wish to sell sealed bottles or containers of alcohol for off-premises consumption. This type of license typically applies to liquor stores.
   3. Special Event License: This type of license is a type of Liquor-by-the-Drink license that allows a business to serve or sell alcoholic beverages at special events. This type of license can be obtained by businesses that wish to host a one-time event such as a wedding, fundraiser, or corporate gathering.
   4. Non-Resident Seller’s Permit: This type of permit is for businesses that are located outside of Tennessee but wish to sell and distribute beer and wine within the state.
   5. Brewer’s License: This type of license is for businesses that wish to brew beer, ale, lager, porter, or other malt beverages for sale within the state.

Each type of license has its own specific requirements that must be met before it can be obtained. It is important to research all of your options carefully before submitting an application. Depending on the type of license you need, you may also have to obtain additional permits or licenses in order to operate your business legally in Tennessee. 

Tips for operating your business with a liquor license

When you are operating a business that sells or serves alcohol, it is important to be aware of all the regulations and requirements set forth by the state. Operating a business with a liquor license in Tennessee is no different. Here are some tips to help you ensure your business is compliant with all the relevant laws and regulations.

1. 1. Understand the different types of liquor licenses and their restrictions. The type of license you have will determine the kinds of alcoholic beverages you can serve and the hours of operation for your business.   
   2. Make sure to only sell and serve alcohol to customers who are of legal drinking age. Establishing an ID-checking policy is a good way to ensure this.   
   3. Abide by any open container laws in your area. In Tennessee, you cannot serve open containers of alcohol in a public space, so make sure your customers know not to leave with any open containers from your establishment.   
   4. Train your staff to properly serve alcohol responsibly and to identify signs of intoxication. This includes having an understanding of when to stop serving someone and what steps to take if a customer has become too intoxicated. 
   5. Be aware of the rules and regulations related to serving food with alcohol. For example, in Tennessee, restaurants must serve food when they serve alcohol and must have a minimum food sale percentage for each day they operate. 
   6. Maintain records of all transactions involving alcohol sales, including the dates, times, amounts, and types of alcohol sold. This information should be kept on file in case it is needed for reference or review at a later date.

By following these tips and understanding the laws and regulations associated with operating a business with a liquor license in Tennessee, you can ensure that your business runs smoothly and remains compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.

FAQs about liquor licenses in Tennessee

Q: What is the cost of a liquor license in Tennessee?

A: The cost of a liquor license in Tennessee varies depending on the type of license you are applying for and the county where the business will be located. The typical cost for a full liquor license in Tennessee is around $5,000 to $7,000 although it can be as low as $3,000.00.

Q: How long does it take to obtain a liquor license in Tennessee?

A: The timeline for obtaining a liquor license in Tennessee can vary greatly, depending on the type of license and the county where the business is located. On average, it can take anywhere from 2-6 months to complete the process.

Q: Are there any restrictions or requirements that must be met in order to obtain a liquor license in Tennessee?

A: Yes, all applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to qualify for a liquor license in Tennessee. This includes but is not limited to being of legal drinking age (21 years old or older), having no past criminal convictions, and completing an approved course in alcohol awareness.

Q: What types of documents must I submit when applying for a liquor license in Tennessee?

A: When applying for a liquor license in Tennessee, you will need to submit an application form along with proof of identity, background check, proof of address, a valid driver’s license, and any other applicable documents. Depending on the type of license being applied for, additional documents may be required as well.

Q: Is there any training or education I need to complete in order to obtain a liquor license in Tennessee?

A: Yes, all applicants must complete an approved alcohol awareness course before their application will be considered. This course is designed to educate applicants about the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol.

Keep reading