Tennessee Alcohol Related Laws and Regulations

Where to Buy Alcohol
Hard liquor and wine is sold by private retailers, and beer is available in grocery and convenience stores. Alcohol is usually sold from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, although local ordinances do apply. Although it differs by county, beer is usually sold after noon on Sundays.

Legal Age for Drinking/Serving Alcohol
Anyone over the age of 18 may seek employment where they will be serving or selling alcohol, although they must be 21 to consume alcohol.

Open Container Laws
Passengers may consume alcohol in a vehicle, but the driver is not allowed to do so.

BAC Limits
If a person tests (breath, blood, or urine) with a BAC (blood-alcohol content) of .08 or higher, they are considered ‘per se intoxicated’ and can be arrested and convicted of DUI (driving under the influence) without further evidence.

A driver may face much worse penalties if they are convicted of a DUI with a BAC that is .20 percent or higher than the legal limit of .08 percent.

‘Zero tolerance laws’ attempt to deter underage drivers from drinking. If a driver under the legal age of 21 tests with a BAC level of .02 percent or higher, they face DUI penalties.

Penalties
If a driver does not comply with an officer’s request to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to determine their level of intoxication when they are suspected of being under the influence, they can face penalties due to ‘implied consent laws.’ Their refusal can result in the mandatory suspension of their driver’s license for up to one year.

When a driver is convicted of DUI, the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) can suspend a driver’s license for one year for the first offense, two years for the second offense, and three years for the third offense.

If the driver receives a second conviction, they face having their vehicle confiscated ether permanently or temporarily at their expense.

The installation of an ignition interlock device is also a penalty option, which requires the driver to take a breath-test before the vehicle will start. The offender may also be required to undergo alcohol education, treatment, or assessment for alcohol abuse in certain circumstances.