Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of documentation is necessary to obtain a beer permit?
Use the information on our Beer Permit Required Documents page to ensure that you have what you need. This page includes information for all permit types.
How old must I be to purchase beer?
You must be 21 to purchase beer.
During what times may I deliver beer?
Wholesaler: Currently, there are no restrictions on the hours that beer may be delivered.
Reference: Ordinance No. BL2018-1440
An ordinance amending Section 7.08.140 of the Metropolitan Code pertaining to dance permits and the permitted hours of beer sales and delivery.
Delivery/Curbside: Beer sales by delivery or curbside service are allowed during the following hours: 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Sunday.
Is Identification required for curbside or delivery purchases of beer?
Yes. At the point of sale or delivery, the employee conducting the service must inspect the purchaser’s valid identification to determine whether the purchaser is an adult and is not intoxicated.
Who can deliver beer?
Only employees of the permittee may deliver beer. Employee must be at least 21 years of age.
Can beer be sold through a drive-through or delivery window?
No. Beer shall not be sold through any drive through or delivery window by any retail establishment possessing an on-premises or off-premises beer permit.
If I run out of beer, can I buy beer from retail stores?
No. You may only purchase beer from an authorized wholesaler.
Must we physically touch identification cards to verify age?
While best practices would recommend handling the identification for verification purposes, the permit holder should use their best judgment under the circumstances to keep their employees safe.
Are permit holders prohibited from selling beer on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter?
No. While state law prohibits the sale of wine and spirits at retail food stores and retail package stores on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, no such prohibition applies to the sale of beer.
What are the Beer Board's operating hours?
Beer Board operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Note: We are currently working remotely. Please contact us before visiting the office by emailing [email protected].
Where is the Beer Board office located?
The Beer Board office is located at
150 2nd Ave N
2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37201
Which forms of identification are acceptable for the purchase of beer?
The identification checked must be a valid (unexpired), government-issued (state, local, national, or foreign) document that includes the photograph and birth date of the customer. Any identification that meets such requirements may be accepted by the permit holder. Further, persons exempt under state law from the requirement of having photo identification shall present identification deemed acceptable by the permit holder.
What happens if I don’t pay my Beer Privilege Tax?
Your beer permit may be revoked, suspended or a civil penalty imposed.
Where can I find the beer permit application, signage, beer laws, rules and regulations?
You may download copies from the Beer Board's web page. If you need assistance, please email us at [email protected].
What are the powers and duties of the Beer Board?
The Metropolitan Beer Permit Board shall have jurisdiction of the licensing, regulating and controlling of the transportation, storage, sale, distribution, possession, receipt and/or manufacture of beer of an alcoholic content of not more than eight percent by weight (8% abw) or any other like alcoholic content, and shall constitute the sole administrative agency in the metropolitan government for the administration of all laws and ordinances relating to beer and like alcoholic beverages.
What are the minimum requirements for conspicuously posting signage pertaining to the sale of beer?
Rule 2.07 specifically addresses the minimum requirements for signage, and can be found in the Beer Permit Board Rules and Regulations.
More information can be found at the Signage link below.
What is the phone number for the Beer Board?
The phone number for the Beer Board is 615-862-6751.
What methods of payment does the Beer Board accept?
Beer Board current methods of payment include the following:
Cashier’s Check
Certified Check
Personal Check
Business Check
Money Order
Credit Card (online)
Can I make Beer Board payments online?
Yes, you may submit your beer application, privilege tax payment, or civil penalty payment electronically through our ePermits system.
When is the beer privilege tax due?
The Beer Privilege Tax payment is due January 1 every year. Notices are mailed to the permit holder the last week of November.
How old must I be to sell or serve beer?
You must be 18 to sell or serve beer.
Reference: M.C.L. 7.08.130 - It is unlawful for any person:
C. Being under the age of twenty-one years, to have in his or her possession beer for any purpose, except that any person eighteen years of age or older may transport, possess, sell or dispense alcoholic beverages, wine or beer in the course of his or her employment.
If I have additional questions pertaining to the beer laws, rules and regulations, what should I do?
You may contact the Beer Board Office and speak with a staff member by emailing us at [email protected].
How much is the beer privilege tax?
The beer privilege tax is $100.
Does the Beer Board issue liquor by the drink license, wine license, or server permit cards?
No, we do not issue liquor by the drink license, wine license, or server permit cards.
These licenses and permits are issued by the Tennessee Alcohol Beverage Commission. (615-741-1602)
What is the application fee for a beer permit?
The application fee for a beer permit is $250.