Wholesaler/Retailer Relationship

Retailers are prohibited from purchasing beer from anyone other than a wholesaler licensed and located in Tennessee, and wholesale distributors are prohibited from purchasing beer from anyone other than a manufacturer, importer, or other Tennessee wholesaler licensed in Tennessee. T.C.A. § 57-5-201(c). Brewers and wholesalers are prohibited from making any loan, furnishing any fixtures of any kind, or having any interest, direct or indirect, in the business of any retailer, or in the premises of any retailer. T.C.A. § 57-5-101(a). A limited exception to these rules exists for breweries which are located in counties having a population of 75,000 or more or in a premier resort city that has adopted liquor by the drink.  T.C.A. § 57-5-101(c).  See "Microbreweries and Brew Pubs" herein.