AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 57, relative to alcoholic beverages.
Impact
The proposed amendments will empower municipalities that meet certain criteria—such as being the county seat of a tourist resort county or owning specific recreational facilities—to have a streamlined process for the licensing of alcoholic beverages and beer permits. By allowing entire designated premises to be covered under a single license, the bill is set to simplify the permitting process for these cities and towns while potentially enhancing tourism and local business operations within these areas.
Summary
Senate Bill 0174 is a legislative act aimed at amending Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 57, which pertains to alcoholic beverages. The bill introduces definitions and provisions that clarify the inclusion of incorporated cities or towns under the term 'corporation.' This adjustment is significant as it broadens the regulatory framework to involve municipalities more directly in matters concerning the sale and licensing of alcoholic beverages.
Contention
Notably, the introduction of SB0174 could lead to debates regarding the regulatory powers of local governments versus state-level controls. Some stakeholders may express concerns about ensuring that local needs and issues related to alcohol licensing are addressed appropriately, especially in regions primarily focused on tourism. The delineation of licensing responsibilities could spark discussions about equitable treatment of municipalities, especially those that may feel overlooked by broader state regulations.