Bottom line: apply to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) for the Liquor-by-the-Drink (LBD) license for on-premises spirits + a local beer permit. You'll need a registered business, secured premises, local zoning approval, owner background checks, and public notice. Tennessee is non-quota — you apply for a new license directly.
| Issuing body | Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) |
| License type (bar/restaurant) | Liquor-by-the-Drink (LBD) license for on-premises spirits + a local beer permit |
| Quota state? | No |
| State fee | Liquor-by-the-drink license fee plus an inventory/privilege tax; roughly $300–$1,000+ in state fees plus local beer permit |
| Typical timeline | About 4–8 weeks once local authorization is in place |
A liquor-license consultant / expediter handles the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) application, public notice, background packet, and (in quota states) the transfer paperwork — typically $2,000–$10,000 depending on complexity. Worth it if you're on a build timeline and can't afford a rejected application.
Start at the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) →
Tip for the owner: set AFFILIATE_LIQUOR_PRO_URL to a licensing-consultant lead-gen/affiliate link to monetize this CTA. Until then it points to the official Tennessee board.
In Tennessee you generally need: a registered business and secured premises, local zoning approval, owner background checks, public notice during the protest period, and an application to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) for the Liquor-by-the-Drink (LBD) license for on-premises spirits + a local beer permit. Tennessee separates BEER (local beer boards) from LIQUOR/WINE (state TABC), and liquor-by-the-drink must be locally authorized by referendum — two parallel tracks for a full bar.
Most states, including Tennessee, weigh criminal history case-by-case; certain felonies (especially alcohol-, fraud-, or violence-related) can disqualify or require a waiver. The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) makes the final call — disclose and ask them directly.
Usually yes — the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) issues the state license and your city/county typically requires its own permit plus zoning sign-off. Clear the local approval before or alongside the state application.
Looking in California instead? LiquorDesk also tracks surrendered & transfer-pending California liquor licenses by county, live from the CA ABC export — often a faster route than a new quota license.
Regulatory facts on this page are from the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) (Tennessee's official alcohol-licensing authority). Verified against the board's published material on 2026-06-22. Fees, quotas and rules change — always confirm the current figures with the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) before you apply. This is informational regulatory content, not legal advice; for a transfer or contested application consult a licensed attorney or licensing consultant.