Tennessee is known for many things: country music and blues, Graceland, the Smoky Mountains, and fried food. But it is also the home of some world-famous whiskey, a distilled liquor.
So, it shouldn’t be that difficult to buy. But do grocery stores sell liquor in Tennessee?
No, you can only buy liquor in liquor stores in Tennessee. These liquor stores are only open from Monday to Saturday.
In this article, I will look at liquor sales in Tennessee: where you can buy liquor, and why Tennessee is a little problematic regarding alcohol laws.
Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Tennessee?
It will come as a surprise to many, but the home of Jack Daniels is quite strict when it comes to who is allowed to sell liquor and when.
Additionally, some counties in Tennessee are completely “dry,” meaning that no alcohol can be sold at all, or the sale is strictly limited, with many rules about it.
Interesting fact: Moore County, the home of Jack Daniels, is one of Tennessee’s nine dry states.
This does not only apply to grocery stores. In these dry states, the sale of alcohol, including beer and wine, is strictly limited or prohibited.
Only 10 out of 95 counties are “wet,” meaning the sale of alcohol is permitted. The remaining counties are classified as “moist,” meaning that there are restrictions in place, but at least you can somehow get some liquor.
Why Can’t Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Tennessee?
With so many restrictions in place, it is no surprise that grocery stores are not allowed to sell liquor in Tennessee. Tennessee is one of the most distinct US states because of its variety of local restrictions and laws concerning alcohol.
While some counties allow package stores and the sale of liquor in restaurants, no county in Tennessee allows the sale of liquor in grocery stores.
If it were up to grocery stores, they would most likely sell liquor as it is profitable. However, alcohol is under the control of the state, so local governments decide who is allowed to sell and serve liquor.
Does Target Sell Liquor In Tennessee?
No, like other grocery stores, Target does not have a license to sell liquor in its stores.
You can, however, find a good assortment of wines and beers in Target.
Does Walmart Sell Liquor In Tennessee?
Walmart is known for selling everything you need, but in Tennessee, even Walmart stores are not allowed to sell liquor.
There is beer and wine for sale in Walmart. Thanks to a change in Tennessee alcohol laws, you can now even buy wine on Sundays (unless you live in or visit one of the dry counties).
Where Can You Buy Liquor In Tennessee?
You can only buy liquor in package stores in Tennessee; even these have to follow strict rules about what they can and cannot do (for more information, check the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission’s website).
If going into a package store is not your thing, your other option is to get liquor delivered by a licensed retailer. These will be able to send you liquor, and you won’t even have to leave the house.
Related Questions
Why Are The Alcohol Laws Different In Each State?
Some states have grocery stores that sell liquor. In other states, you can only buy liquor in package stores, and in some, you have no choice but to buy liquor in a state-run store.
But why is one Walmart different from the other? Why can the same grocery store chain be allowed and prohibited from selling liquor?
The problem is: It is not up to grocery stores. If Walmart could, it would sell liquor in every single store. The laws, however, are made by the governments of each state. Some states have very strict laws about liquor, and some are a bit more relaxed.
These laws are different in various states because the states of the USA are all very different from each other. In some, alcoholism is a huge problem, so the state tries to limit people’s access to hard liquor. Other states are very religious and don’t want their people to be “frivolous.”
The reasons why laws are different in each state have to do with the politicians of these states. When politicians change, so can the laws.
Final Thoughts
If you wondered, “Do grocery stores sell liquor in Tennessee?” you now know that they are not allowed to. You must go to a special liquor store or order your liquor online.
You need to plan ahead if you are preparing for a special event or a party, as you cannot just go to the closest grocery store to get what you need.
Read our related alcohol articles:
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Texas?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Oregon?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Arizona?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in California?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Wine in the United States?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in New York?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Florida?
