It is unlawful to operate any business engaged in the sale, distribution, manufacture or storage of beer without first obtaining a permit from the city or county in which the business is located. The county issues permits only to businesses located in the unincorporated areas of the county; cities are responsible for issuance of permits to businesses located within any incorporated areas. T.C.A. §§ 57-5-105, 57-5-106. No city or county permit is required for a wholesaler unless the wholesaler operates a warehouse in the city or county. T.C.A. § 57-5-103. Selling, distributing, manufacturing, or storing beer without the required permit is a Class C misdemeanor. T.C.A. § 57-5-303.  Sample Beer Permit

There are exceptions --

(1) caterers licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Commission, in accordance with T.C.A. § 57-4-101(i) and 57-4-203(i)(3), are authorized to sell beer and other alcoholic beverages in conjunction with their catering services;

(2) retail liquor store owners licensed under T.C.A. § 57-3-204 are permitted to sell beer and other malt beverages without obtaining a beer permit from the county or city, and these beer sales are regulated by the ABC under T.C.A. § 57-3-404(e);

(3) a beer permit is not required for the making of "homemade beer" when it is done in accordance with the provisions of T.C.A. § 57-5-111; and

(4) under T.C.A. § 57-3-224, delivery services that deliver prepared food from restaurants may obtain a delivery service license issued by the ABC to deliver sealed packages of beer and alcoholic beverages; drivers must be licensed by the ABC under T.C.A. § 57-3-225.