NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) —Tennessee could continue to-go alcohol sales under a bill that has just passed through the Tennessee General Assembly.
Gov. Bill Lee made alcohol to-go from bars legal during the COVID-19 pandemic under an Executive Order.
Now, some lawmakers would like to see it become permanent in the Volunteer State and gain tax off of sales.
Rep. Bob Ramsey (R-Maryville) and Sen. Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) are sponsors of HB241/SB681, which passed in the Senate on Wednesday after previously being cleared in the House. Gov. Bill Lee's office says he will sign this bill.
The bill states, "As introduced, authorizes, for a period of three years, persons and entities licensed to sell liquor and beer by the drink for consumption on the premises to sell alcoholic beverages and beer for off-premise consumption if certain requirements are met."
In Nashville, to-go alcohol sales have been extended through May 31. To-go sales and delivery of beer are permanent, due to the delivery/curbside permit created by Metro Council last fall.