Will Cheek Last Call Blog Post “Drink Up”! Bar Bill Passes” Addresses New Wine and Liquor by the Drink Law
Bars and clubs across the State of Tennessee can breathe a sigh of relief with the passage of a new liquor license on June 9, 2010. The Tennessee Legislature created a new liquor license that lowers the food service requirement and the minimum the number of seats. Bars with fifteen percent or more in food sales can now legally hold a liquor license. Read the full post here.
Will Cheek spoke with Tennessean reporter, Michael Cass regarding the new law.
From the article:
Both houses passed a bill that makes it easier for bars to sell wine and liquor by the drink. That right had been limited to "restaurants," which were defined as places open at least three days a week with a primary purpose of serving food, seating at least 75 people.
Under the new law, bars seating just 40 people and making less than 50 percent of their revenue from the sale of prepared food will be able to get liquor by the drink licenses. The law also will make it easier for existing venues to keep their licenses.
They can make as little as 15 percent of their revenue from the sale of food, a big change from the previous requirement of 50 percent, which has been difficult for many establishments to meet.
"That's a step in the right direction," said Will Cheek, an attorney for some bars and restaurants. "It'll be a huge relief for hundreds of businesses across Tennessee that are worried about losing their liquor
licenses and going out of business."Sen. Joe Haynes, a sponsor of the bill, said the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Karl Dean's administration supported the legislation.
"I think it will assist some of our small businesses in Davidson County that could be in violation of current law," Haynes said.
