Following a tumultuous few weeks for small businesses, specifically those in the food, beverage and hospitality industries, the Metropolitan Beer Permit Board brought some much-needed relief through the adoption of emergency regulations. These regulations allow for any permit holder with an "on-sale" or "on/off sale" permit to deliver their product to customers in commercially sealed containers.
Executive Director, Benton McDonough, is thrilled about what this means for Nashville, "This is a huge win for our city because it is a victory for our local industries that have been devastated by back-to-back natural disasters. Not only does this provide for a new stream of revenue in difficult times, but it enables employers in the food, beverage and hospitality industries to keep their staff employed and remain in business."
Brian Taylor, Board Chair and longest serving member of the Beer Board echoes Mr. McDonough's comments, "We're in a time unlike anything we've experienced before in our city. It's important that the board and the Department do anything and everything we can for the many retailers whose livelihood is supported by the sale of food and beverages across our city. There are many that may benefit from this action and some that may not but we are taking this action to be as flexible as possible considering these challenging times and the challenges ahead."
These emergency regulations allow any permit holder with an "on-sale" or "on/off-sale" permit to apply with the Metro Beer Board for a temporary permit to provide delivery and curbside services. Additionally, the usual $250 application fee has been waived in this instance. Employees of the permit holder are required to make the delivery and must be at least twenty-one years old. If interested, a permit holder should email the following information to [email protected]:
- Name of the Permittee
- Physical Address of the Permittee
- E-mail Address
- Phone Number
- Current Permit Number and Whether it is On-Sale or On/Off-Sale
Mr. McDonough ends with, "As the regulator of the beer industry, I know how innovative these industries can be. Challenging times like this call for immense leadership. Thanks to Mayor Cooper and Board Chair Brian Taylor for leadership that Nashville needs in these rapidly changing times. As Nashville is the only city allowing delivery of beer, we feel like this at least gives these industries a fighting chance to survive here in our community."