Knowing when alcohol can be legally purchased in Tennessee is important for both residents and visitors. State regulations differ based on the type of establishment—whether retail or for on-site consumption—and the day of the week. This guide outlines the specific timeframes for alcohol sales.
State-Regulated Hours for Retail Sales
State law dictates specific hours for retail alcohol sales, meaning purchases for off-premise consumption. Liquor stores, which sell spirits and wine in sealed containers, may operate from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Grocery and convenience stores selling beer (with an alcohol content of 8% by weight or less) and, where locally permitted, wine, also follow these 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. hours from Monday through Saturday.
Timeline for On-Site Service
Rules for serving alcohol for on-site consumption, such as in restaurants and bars, differ from retail sales. Establishments with a liquor-by-the-drink license can serve spirits, wine, and beer from 8:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Service may continue until 3:00 a.m. the following morning on these days.1Justia Law. Tennessee Code § 57-4-203 – Hours of Sale for On-Premise Consumption For instance, on a Friday, alcohol service can run from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 a.m. Saturday. While service must stop at 3:00 a.m., patrons are allowed a short time to finish drinks served before the cutoff.
Sunday Purchases
Sunday alcohol sales in Tennessee have expanded due to legislative changes. Retail package stores selling spirits and wine can now operate on Sundays, with hours differing from the rest of the week. These establishments may sell alcohol from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Sundays.2Justia Law. Tennessee Code § 57-3-406 – Regulation of Retail Sales Including Sunday Hours
Grocery and convenience stores are also permitted to sell beer and, where locally allowed, wine during these same Sunday hours: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Local Variations in Allowed Hours
While state laws provide a baseline for alcohol sale hours, local governments in Tennessee have the authority to modify these times. Municipalities and counties can enact ordinances that are more restrictive than state regulations.3Justia Law. Tennessee Code § 57-5-301(b)(3) – Local Authority to Restrict Beer Sale Hours
This means that specific hours for alcohol sales, whether from retail stores or for on-site consumption in bars and restaurants, can vary by jurisdiction. For example, a city or county might require liquor stores or establishments serving beer to close earlier than permitted by state law. Travelers should be aware that permissible alcohol sale times can change when crossing city or county lines, making it advisable to check local ordinances.
Penalties for Violations
Selling alcohol outside legally permitted hours in Tennessee carries significant penalties for both businesses and individuals. The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) enforces these regulations and can impose sanctions on non-compliant licensed establishments.
Violations by businesses can lead to administrative actions by the TABC, including license suspension or revocation.4Tennessee Secretary of State Publications. TABC Rules: Chapter 0100-01-.07 – Suspension and Revocation of Licenses The TABC may also levy civil penalties; for instance, retail stores could face fines up to $1,500 per offense for such violations.5FindLaw. Tennessee Code § 57-3-308(b) – Civil Penalties for Retail Licensees Establishments with on-premise consumption licenses also face similar civil penalties for selling outside approved times.
Individuals, such as clerks or bartenders, who sell alcohol outside legal hours can face personal criminal charges. Such an act is considered a Class A misdemeanor.6Justia Law. Tennessee Code § 57-3-412(a)(4) – Unlawful Alcohol Sales as Class A Misdemeanor A Class A misdemeanor can result in imprisonment for up to 11 months and 29 days, a fine up to $2,500, or both.7Justia Law. Tennessee Code § 40-35-111(e)(1) – Penalties for Class A Misdemeanors These individual penalties are separate from actions taken against the business license.