In Tennessee, the ability to purchase alcohol is governed by a detailed set of state laws that specify permissible times and locations for sales. The rules differ based on the type of establishment, the day of the week, and even specific holidays, creating a structured framework for consumers and retailers.
Alcohol Sales Hours at Liquor Stores
State law defines the operating hours for retail package stores, more commonly known as liquor stores. These establishments are the exclusive retailers for spirits and high-gravity beers for off-premises consumption. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 57-3-406, these stores are permitted to sell alcohol from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.1Justia. Tennessee Code § 57-3-406 (2024) – Regulation of retail sales On Sundays, sales are permitted from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
These licensed retailers are authorized to carry a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including spirits like vodka and whiskey, as well as wine and beers with an alcohol content higher than what is allowed in grocery stores. It is important to note that these stores are not permitted to be open to the general public outside of these designated business hours.
Alcohol Sales Hours at Grocery and Convenience Stores
Grocery and convenience stores operate under different regulations for alcohol sales, which are limited to beer and wine. Beer with an alcohol content of 8% by weight or less can be sold in these stores, though specific times can be restricted by local ordinances. Generally, beer sales are allowed from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday.
The sale of wine in grocery stores is authorized under Tennessee Code Annotated § 57-3-806. Qualifying retail food stores can sell wine from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Sundays. Beer sales in these stores are also permitted during similar hours on Sundays.
Alcohol Sales Hours at Bars and Restaurants
For establishments licensed for on-premise consumption, such as bars and restaurants, the hours for serving alcohol are also specifically outlined by state law. According to Tennessee Code Annotated § 57-4-203, these businesses can serve alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 a.m. the following morning, Monday through Saturday.2Justia. Tennessee Code § 57-4-203 (2024) – Prohibited practices – Hours of sale – Authority of commission – Penalties
On Sundays, the sale of alcohol for on-premise consumption can begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 3:00 a.m. Monday morning. These regulations apply to a wide range of venues, including hotels, restaurants, and clubs. After 3:00 a.m., no further sales or consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted on the premises until sales can resume later that morning.
Holiday Sales Restrictions
State law imposes specific closures and sales prohibitions on certain major holidays, primarily affecting liquor stores. Retail package liquor stores are required to be closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. On these days, the sale of any alcoholic beverages from these stores is illegal.
These holiday restrictions do not apply uniformly to all types of alcohol retailers. While liquor stores face mandatory closures, grocery stores are permitted to sell beer and wine on these holidays, provided the holiday falls on a day when sales are otherwise allowed. Similarly, bars and restaurants may continue to serve alcohol for on-premise consumption, subject to their regular operating hours.
Impact of Local Ordinances on Sales Times
While Tennessee state law provides a baseline for alcohol regulation, it grants significant authority to local governments to modify these rules. Through a process known as “local option,” counties and municipalities can vote to permit or prohibit various types of alcohol sales. As outlined in Tennessee Code Annotated § 57-3-106, this allows communities to establish themselves as “dry” or “wet.”3FindLaw. Tennessee Code Title 57. Intoxicating Liquors § 57-3-106
This local control means that the hours and availability of alcohol can differ from one city or county to the next. A municipality may enact an ordinance that restricts sales hours further than the state’s framework, such as requiring earlier closing times for bars or stores. For this reason, individuals should verify the specific local ordinances in their area, as they can be more restrictive than state laws.