TENNESSEE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATES

Written by | TABC News, TABC Updates

Our friends at the Tennessee Wine and Spirits Association (TWSRA) have summarized the most recent updates relating to industry closures due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19).  At this time, off-premise deliveries are allowed and retail package stores are open.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) – UPDATE FROM THE ABC
 

Coronavirus Related Questions for Retail Package Stores(Last updated March 19, 2020) Q: May a package store provide curbside or drive-through window pickup?
 A: Yes, a retail package store may provide curbside pickup to customers with no additional permit, license, or approval from the TABC. Please note that you must check identification for any person who does not reasonably appear to be an age of fifty (50) years or older, but we suggest that the customer hold their ID for you to inspect visually without you touching the ID.
 
Q: May a package store deliver to customers?
 
A: Yes, a package store may deliver to customers themselves or via a licensed delivery service subject to restrictions outlined below. Please note that you must check identification for any person who does not reasonably appear to be an age of fifty (50) years or older, but we suggest that the customer hold their ID for you to inspect visually without you touching the ID. A list of licensed delivery service can be found on our website.
 
Q: Does a package store need a bond to deliver alcoholic beverages?
 
A:  Yes.  T.C.A. 57-3-403 requires the posting of a bond of $1000 with the TABC to “transport any alcoholic beverages” in this state. This is unnecessary if the package store only delivers via a licensed delivery service.
 
Q: How does a package store obtain a bond?
 
A: There are several companies that will provide bonding services, such as certain insurance and surety companies. The bond must be payable in the amount of $1,000 to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission upon condition that such person will not unlawfully transport or deliver any alcoholic beverages in Tennessee.  Click on the links below for 


Bond Sample 1
Bond Sample 2


 Q: Is there anything else a package store needs to do to deliver alcoholic beverages? 
A: When the bond has been issued by a bonding company, please email a copy of the bond to the TABC’s licensing and permitting staff along with a statement that the package store will deliver alcoholic beverages. Once such an email is provided to the TABC’s licensing and permitting staff, then the package store may immediately begin delivering alcoholic beverages as it requires no approval process. 
 Q: Do I need a bond to have a drive-through window or do curbside pickup or similar delivery to the store’s curb or parking lot?
A: No. This do not involve the transportation of alcoholic beverages and thus, a bond is not required to perform these activities.
For current updates on Coronavirus (Covid-19) and additional employer resources, please go to CDC webpages.
 
CDC – Coronavirus (Covid-19) Updates
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
 
CDC – How to Protect Yourself
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
 
CDC – Resources Businesses and Employers
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
 
 
Please remember, you are not alone.  Discuss your efforts with fellow retailers, other business owners, and most importantly, your employees and customers.  Meanwhile, the TWSRA will keep you informed on any significant future updates involving the Covid-19.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to call our executive director, Joyce McDaniel, at 615.957.7569 or email her at jmcdaniel@twsra.com. 
 
Please do your part and we’ll all get through this together and healthy!
  
Sincerely,
Joe Hobbs
TWSRA President
Join TWSRA Now

Last modified: March 21, 2020