Beer Licenses in Davidson County - Essay Example

Job Job April 19, Necessary Permits to Sell Beer to the Public in Davidson County It is imperative that when opening an establishment to sell alcohol to in the metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County area to know the laws that are in place in order to obtain the appropriate licenses. It is necessary to be aware of these rules and regulations so that all orders of business are completed lawfully. This eliminates any potential liability issues that my client could come across when creating this business. As established by the Tennessee Beer Law and County Beer Board, beer is defined as any ale, beer or malt beverage which has an alcohol content of no more than five percent by weight with the exception of wine. Any alcoholic beverages that exceed a five percent alcoholic content are not regulated by the cities or counties but instead are regulated by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Any business that is involved in the distribution, manufacturing, sale or storage of beer are required to obtain permits from the city or county where the business is to be located. When building a business of this kind, my client has become aware of the necessary steps it takes to acquire such licenses that are needed in order to follow all of the rules and regulations to build a thriving business. In order to do so, it was necessary to research the laws in Davidson County to see what types of licenses or standards that my client must meet in order to sell beer in this establishment. Through research, I have found the licenses that are appropriate in order for my client to be able to sell beer to the public in Davidson County, Tennessee. One group that was able to help assist my client in learning more about obtaining a beer permit for selling alcohol on their premise is the Metropolitan Beer Board that actually helps to establish beer laws and determine rules and regulations for selling beer in the Nashville Metro area. Since this is not a dance hall or catering establishment, there are different applications that are to be filled out. One of the necessary documents is the Beer Permit Application. The Beer Permit Application is to be completed by my client in order to seek a permit to serve alcohol on the premises only or for off-premises only. The information required as set by the Beer Permit Application is the type of business that my client is running and it is up to the Beer Board staff of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee to determine whether or not the application will be approved. The Beer Board Application is a permit is designed for those who wish to sell, manufacture, store, or distribute beer as distributed under the Metropolitan Code of Laws 7.09.010. As part of the Beer Permit Application, a $250 non-refundable application fee is applied and my client, the applicant must solemnly swear that each statement in regards to selling beer on their premise is correct and true. A business may sell beer both on and off premise under the same permit. Any microbreweries or brew pub wholesalers are prohibited from selling beer for retail or at operate a restaurant where it sells its own beer. Temporary beer permits may be acquired but are to not exceed thirty days. Applicants for this type of permit must follow all of the same application requirements as permanent permits. The difference is that temporary permits are not issued to allow for the manufacturing, sale or storage of beer on property that is publicly owned. Any beer permits that are issued to a restaurant or clubhouse on a golf course does not allow for the holder of the permit to sell beer on the golf course itself. Applicant Requirements Client will promptly notify the Beer Board staff if there are any changes. No beer is to be sold at any location where any such sale will cause any interference with churches, schools, public gathering places or interfere with any public health, morals and safety nor shall it cause traffic congestion. No beer sales will be made to those under the age of 21 years old. There shall be no sales made for consumption on the premises unless the application and permit allow so. Anyone associated with the establishment that has at least five percent of ownership of the business or any person whom will be an employee of the business has been convicted or incarcerated for any law violation in regards to sale, possession, manufacturing or transportation of any alcoholic beverages within the past ten years will not be associated with the business. Permits are only valid at one single location which includes any patio, deck or outdoor seating area. These are non-transferrable permits if a business is to relocate. My client is aware that if any of the information on the application is incorrect, they will not be allowed to apply again for a license in Davidson County for ten years. In order to determine the best method for my client, these regulations and different permits have been evaluated to conclude which type of permit is the most appropriate. My client is aware of all of the regulations and application requirements expected of them to obtain a beer license in order to sell to the public based on their type of establishment. The client for whom I represent is in the process of determining the staff members of the business in order to fill out the beer permit application to ensure that all of those involved in the operation of the business are aware of the guidelines and have not been in any legal trouble that could interfere with the acceptance of the application. By determining which permits are the most applicable for my client and what their intentions are, I have been able to find information based on the regulation of beer sales to the public in Davidson County, Tennessee. The focus is to now complete the application, pay the application fee and submit the necessary information to the Beer Board so that the application may go under review at the next meeting of the committee. This will then determine whether or not my client will be able to proceed with building their establishment. Attachments: The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee Application for Beer Permit, 2014; Tennessee Beer Laws and the County Beer Board Handbook, Nov. 2010. Read More