Tennessee’s alcohol laws remain patchwork due to county-by-county variations, with many areas “dry” by default unless local votes allow sales of liquor or wine. Beer sales face fewer restrictions but are capped at 5% ABV locally, while home delivery of spirits or liquor-by-the-drink requires licensed third-party services with ID checks and food-sale minimums.​
Home Delivery Rules
Licensed retailers and food delivery platforms can deliver up to one gallon of alcohol per customer, but drivers must be 21+, background-checked, and verify ID at drop-off. At least 50% of the service’s revenue must come from food to prevent alcohol-focused operations.​
Happy Hour Limits
Discounts like 2-for-1 deals or free drinks are allowed before 10 p.m., but after that time, bars cannot serve multiple drinks to one person, give away spirits, or offer price-reduced doubles for the same volume. These rules prevent overconsumption late at night.​
Key Complexities
Sunday sales vary by locality, and liquor-by-the-drink licenses demand restaurants seat 40+ and derive over 50% revenue from food. Direct online shipments from out-of-state remain restricted despite court challenges.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/2015/05/05/new-law-allows-home-alcohol-delivery/26931803/)
[2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_laws_of_Tennessee)
[3](https://www.polkgovernment.com/forms/beer-laws.pdf)
[4](https://www.wkyufm.org/business/2015-05-06/new-tennessee-law-allows-companies-to-deliver-alcohol-directly-to-consumers)
[5](https://www.tn.gov/abc/public-information-and-forms/frequently-asked-questions.html)
