Written by Unless you have been living under a rock, in a primitive cabin in the Alaskan wilderness (can I visit?), or deep in the bottle, you are aware that we are seeing COVID-19 numbers skyrocket nationally. As a result, states are taking action in the form of a wave of executive orders calling for closures, shutdowns and tighter restrictions as we move towards the holiday season. At least 15 states have tightened restrictions this week: Indiana, Kansas,Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Oklahoma, Utah, Vermont, Virginia andWashington with many more forecasted to follow.
The growing trend is for states to completely shut down bars or restaurants, decrease hours of operation, or only allow takeout/delivery service. Here in Tennessee, Governor Lee, through Executive Order No. 67, has extended the provisions of his previous Executive Order No. 63. All Tennessee Executive Orders can be found here. To summarize the effect of the current state of the law in Tennessee under Executive Order Nos. 67 and 63, take-out alcohol sales by restaurants and limited-service restaurants are to continue in order to encourage businesses and consumers to participate in take-out eating and drinking. This most recent Order shall remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on December 29, 2020.
Industry members also need to know and understand any and all local restrictions governing their business.
Stay tuned for more updates concerning changes to the rules, regulations, and policies affecting alcoholic beverage and hospitality industry members during this unprecedented time.
Last modified: November 20, 2020
