New Licensees and Alcohol Licensing Specialists
If you are reading this, you are probably either confused or just not sure where to start. I frequently hear from Licensing Specialists, owners, and human resources departments so you are not alone. They have many questions and have had a difficult time finding good information. I am going to attempt to help you better understand the requirements of the Responsible Wine Vendor Program.
The following links for licensing requirements will get you going on the paperwork you need to submit to obtain or renew your license. Renewals are done annually.
If you are with an Airport company, please consult with the Airport Authority, your attorney, or give us a call.
TABC applications and required paperwork are submitted through the RLPS, or Regulatory Licensing and Permitting System. The link to the RLPS is located at tn.gov/abc. You will have a RLPS account for:
- The company if it contains more than one store
- Each store within the company that will be selling wine in TN.
- Each store will need the following listed in their RLPS account:
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- All Permitted or Designated Manager(s). Note: Any management changes need to be updated in the RLPS as soon as they happen.
- Certified Clerks List Note: This is to be updated annually.
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- Each store will need the following listed in their RLPS account:
Permitted, Designated Manager, and RV Certified Clerks
Before any alcohol can be delivered, a liquor store must have a Manager that is permitted and food stores will need what is called a Designated Manager. Permits are issued by the TABC and are valid for 5-years. Prior to applying for their 5-Year Manager Permit, managers must complete a Designated Manager (Law Course) and a Responsible Vendor Course.
Liquor Store Managers must be either the owner or a full time employee. They can only be a manager for ONE location. They do not have to be the person to place orders and they are not required to be on the premises at all times.
Designated Managers of Grocery and Convenience Stores are the only people that can order wine for a location. WINE CANNOT BE ORDERED BY ANYONE ELSE, EVEN A CORPORATE OFFICE! Orders can be compiled by someone at the corporate level and given to the Designated Manager to place, but they must be placed by the Designated Manager.
Orders for either industry can only be placed for one store. Stores cannot be combined. Wine or alcohol cannot be stored anywhere except on the premises of that store. This restriction does not apply to Airport locations.
Responsible Vendor Clerks – all clerks or anyone that might have to run a register are required to have a Responsible Vendor Certification from an approved training program. They do have a 61 day grace period to obtain their certification, but it is recommended that no one be allowed to sell alcohol without being properly trained.
TN Responsible Wine Vendor-Clerk Training and Certification
TN Responsible Wine Vendor-Manager Training, Permitting, and Requirements
