Tennessee Alcohol Delivery Laws, Open Container Rules, Allowed Delivery Hours, and Certification

Alcohol delivery has quickly become part of everyday life in Tennessee—especially in fast-growing areas like Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis. From restaurant to-go cocktails to retail beer and wine orders, more Tennesseans are choosing convenience.
Oct 20
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But with convenience comes responsibility. Tennessee requires alcohol delivery drivers and businesses to follow strict rules, including driver training, ID verification, and open container laws. Understanding these laws isn’t just smart—it’s essential to avoid fines, license suspensions, or even criminal charges.

That’s why delivery professionals and businesses should invest in proper alcohol delivery education. Certification Experts offers two training options:

Together, these courses help workers and employers stay compliant, safe, and confident when alcohol is part of the job.

Is Alcohol Delivery Legal in Tennessee?

Yes—alcohol delivery is legal in Tennessee. However, it’s tightly regulated by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) under Tennessee Code Annotated §57-3-224, which governs delivery service licenses and driver compliance.

Here’s the basic breakdown:

  • Only TABC-licensed delivery services or off-premise retail permit holders can deliver alcohol to consumers.

  • Deliveries must come directly from a licensed business—not from unlicensed individuals.

  • The delivery driver must be at least 18 years old, and the recipient must be at least 21 years old with a valid photo ID.

  • Deliveries must occur within the same county as the licensed business and during legal sales hours.

In short: if a business wants to deliver alcohol, it must hold a Delivery Service License or partner with one that does.

Alcohol Delivery Licensing Requirements

Businesses and delivery services must obtain a Delivery Service License from the TABC to legally deliver alcohol in Tennessee.

Key Requirements Include:

  1. Annual License Fee:
    Each delivery service must pay an annual TABC licensing fee (usually around $300–$500) to operate legally.

  2. Criminal Background Checks:
    Owners and all delivery employees must pass both state and national background checks.

  3. Written Contract:
    If a third-party delivery service (like Uber Eats or DoorDash) delivers on behalf of a retailer, a written contract must exist between the delivery service and the licensed off-premise permit holder.

  4. Delivery Employee Licensing:
    Every delivery driver employed by a licensed delivery service must be approved by TABC before making deliveries.

  5. Annual Reporting:
    Licensees must submit an annual report to TABC detailing total sales, deliveries, and compliance records.

  6. Prepared Food Requirement:
    For restaurants and mixed-drink establishments, alcohol delivery must include prepared food items as part of the order.

  7. Gross Sales Requirement:
    To qualify for delivery privileges, businesses must maintain a certain percentage of total sales from food and non-alcoholic beverages (typically 50%).

  8. Vehicle and Insurance Compliance:
    Delivery vehicles must be properly registered, insured, and meet all state safety standards.

TABC enforcement officers regularly audit these records. Non-compliance can result in suspension or revocation of licenses.

Eligible Alcohol Types and Delivery Scope

Tennessee allows delivery of several alcohol types, but with limitations.

Approved Alcohol Categories

  • Beer and Wine: May be delivered in factory-sealed cans, bottles, or boxes.

  • Spirits and Mixed Drinks: Permitted if sealed in tamper-proof containers and accompanied by food.

  • Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipments: Licensed wineries may ship directly to Tennessee residents who hold a wine shipping permit.

Rules for Sealed Containers

  • All alcohol must remain sealed in its original packaging or in a tamper-evident container.

  • Drivers cannot open, reseal, or handle any unsealed beverages during delivery.

  • “Single servings” or “by-the-drink” cocktails can only be sold for delivery if they are sealed and labeled properly.

Prohibited Deliveries

  • No alcohol deliveries to college campuses, state facilities, hotels, or casinos.

  • Alcohol cannot be delivered across county lines unless permitted by local jurisdiction.

  • Deliveries cannot be left unattended—someone 21+ must sign for the order.

Open Container Laws in Tennessee

Open container laws are strictly enforced under Tennessee Code §55-10-416.

What’s Considered an “Open Container”?

Any bottle, can, or other container that:

  • Has a broken seal,

  • Has had its contents partially removed, or

  • Is “capable of being immediately consumed” inside a vehicle.

Key Rules for Drivers

  • Drivers cannot have open alcohol in the passenger area of any vehicle.

  • Sealed alcohol must be stored out of reach—such as in the trunk or behind the last upright seat.

  • Even passengers are prohibited from having open alcohol, except in limousines, party buses, or motorhomes where drinking areas are separated from the driver.

Violating open container laws can result in a Class C misdemeanor, fines up to $500, and possible license suspension.

Operational Hours and Local Restrictions

Tennessee’s alcohol delivery hours vary by city and county, but most deliveries must occur during the retailer’s legal sales hours.

General Delivery Window

  • Monday–Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

  • Sunday: Delivery permitted after 10:00 a.m. (where local laws allow).

Local Differences

  • Nashville (Davidson County): Alcohol delivery allowed during restaurant sales hours, but not after 11 p.m.

  • Knoxville: Delivery services may operate until 11:59 p.m. for packaged beer and wine.

  • Memphis: Alcohol delivery is legal but subject to “wet” or “damp” county restrictions.

  • Dry Counties: Deliveries are prohibited altogether.

Jurisdiction Matters

Always confirm local regulations—municipal and county rules may override state permissions. For example, one county may allow Sunday delivery while another may prohibit it entirely.

Best Practices and Compliance for Businesses

Businesses that deliver alcohol in Tennessee must maintain strict compliance to avoid ABC violations and civil liability.

Recommended Best Practices

  1. Train All Drivers:
    Provide Responsible Alcohol Vendor or Delivery Training to all delivery staff.

  2. Conduct Background Checks:
    Perform state and national background checks before hiring delivery personnel.

  3. Maintain Logs:
    Keep delivery receipts, signed age verification, and payment records for at least one year.

  4. Perform ID Verification:
    Drivers must scan or physically check IDs at the delivery site.

  5. Ensure Sealed Packaging:
    Never transport unsealed alcohol or accept customer requests to “open and check.”

  6. Carry Proof of License:
    Delivery drivers should keep a copy of their company’s delivery license in the vehicle.

  7. Follow Local Laws:
    Confirm delivery hours and local restrictions before accepting orders from new ZIP codes.

  8. Annual TABC Compliance Reporting:
    Delivery service licensees must file annual reports summarizing deliveries, sales, and compliance history.

  9. Avoid Third-Party Violations:
    If using independent contractors, ensure they are properly trained and licensed—your business is still liable for their actions.

  10. Renew Licenses on Time:
    TABC requires annual renewal with updated driver and insurance information.

Training and Certification Requirements

Under Tennessee’s current alcohol laws, delivery drivers must complete responsible alcohol service training—but it doesn’t have to be TABC-approved unless they also serve alcohol on-premise.

For Delivery Drivers

  • Drivers must be trained in responsible delivery practices, including ID verification, intoxication recognition, and safe transport.

  • Employers are responsible for documenting this training and keeping proof on file.

  • There is no single “state-approved” delivery course, but training is still mandatory.

That’s where the National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification comes in. This program provides delivery-specific education on:

  • Verifying customer age and sobriety,

  • Complying with open container laws,

  • Handling alcohol responsibly while in transit, and

  • Preventing common delivery violations.

For On-Premise Employees

For bartenders, servers, or managers, the Tennessee Alcohol Awareness Training is TABC-approved and satisfies the state’s Responsible Vendor Program requirements. This course helps ensure on-premise alcohol service is compliant, responsible, and safe for everyone involved.

Both certifications complement each other: one focuses on off-premise delivery safety, and the other ensures compliance inside licensed establishments.

Penalties for Violations

Violations of Tennessee alcohol delivery or open container laws can lead to serious consequences for both businesses and drivers.

  • Delivering Alcohol to a Minor: Up to $2,500 in fines and possible misdemeanor charges.

  • Delivering to an Intoxicated Person: Civil penalties and loss of business license.

  • Open Container in Vehicle: Up to $500 fine and driver license points.

  • Delivering After Legal Hours: Administrative suspension or termination of delivery permit.

  • Failure to Verify ID or Maintain Records: Fines up to $5,000 and TABC sanctions.

Important: Compliance training drastically reduces these risks. Trained drivers are not only more employable but also better protected under Tennessee’s alcohol liability laws.

Deliver with Confidence, Get Certified Today

Tennessee’s alcohol delivery system is one of the most carefully regulated in the country. From background checks to sealed containers and time restrictions, every detail matters.

For delivery drivers and businesses, knowledge and training are the difference between compliance and costly mistakes.

That’s why Certification Experts offers specialized, up-to-date programs to help you stay compliant:

Whether you’re driving for a delivery app or managing a licensed restaurant, understanding Tennessee’s alcohol laws is essential for safety, compliance, and success.