An ordinance amending Title 7 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws pertaining to the definition of beer was approved on January 24, 2024.
The new definition of beer reads:
“Beer” means products made from the normal alcoholic fermentation of malt or other cereal grains, sugar, or fruit ingredients used to make cider, and having an alcoholic content of not more than eight percent (8%) alcohol by weight and that do not contain distilled spirits or wine as defined in § 57-3-101; provided, that at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the overall alcoholic content by weight in the finished product is obtained by the fermentation of malt, other cereal grains, sugar, or fruit ingredients used to make cider, and no more than forty-nine percent (49%) of the overall alcoholic content by weight in the finished product is obtained by the addition of flavorings or other non-beverage ingredients containing alcohol.
What does this mean?
RTD’s (Ready-To-Drink) beverages, having any amount of distilled spirits in them, are not considered beer and cannot be sold with only a beer permit. You must have a valid license from the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to legally sell these types of beverages. Please contact the TABC with any questions regarding the specific type of license required for any beverage that falls within this category.
If you have any questions, you may contact our office at: 615-862-6751, or by email at [email protected].
You may also find our beer laws at the following link: Metropolitan Beer Permit Laws