Retail Food Stores (Grocery and Convenience Stores) Designated Manager

  • This is the ONLY PERSON that can legally order wine for a location. This cannot be done through a corporate office! If someone in a corporate office is in charge of wine inventory and orders, the order can be given to the Designated Manager for placing the order. It is suggested there be at least 2 Designated Managers for a location to cover vacations, illness, etc.
  • The Designated Manager is not allowed to work and place orders in multiple locations. They are designated to one location.
  • The Designated Manager must have a valid TABC Manager Permit issued by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission
  • The Designated Manager must complete the Designated Manager and Responsible Vendor training courses EVERY YEAR.
  • It is not required for a Designated Manager to be on the premises at all times.

Liquor Stores (Retail Package Stores) Manager

  • This person selected as the Manager must be either an owner or full-time employee.
  • Anyone can place orders with distributors, it is not required the Manager do so.
  • The Manager is not allowed to work in multiple locations.
  • The Manager must have a valid TABC Manager Permit issued by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission
  • The Designated Manager must complete the Designated Manager and Responsible Vendor training courses EVERY YEAR.
  • It is not required for the Manager to be on the premises at all times.

Airports Designated Manager

  • This person selected as the Manager must be approved by the Airport or designee.
  • Anyone can place orders with distributors, it is not required the Manager do so.
  • The Manager is allowed to work in multiple retail outlets within the airport.
  • The Manager must have a valid TABC Manager Permit issued by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission
  • The Designated Manager must complete the Designated Manager and Responsible Vendor training courses EVERY YEAR.
  • It is not required for the Manager to be on the premises at all times.

Additional Responsible Vendor Information:

Training Requirements for Designated Managers and Liquor/Airport Managers

Designated Manager Law Course Requirements

Designated or Permitted Managers must take what is known as the Law Class or Designated Manager course. This course specifically covers what managers are responsible for, pricing, purchasing, and the Rules and Regulations they are responsible for following and enforcing. This course is about an hour in length and must be taken prior to applying for a TABC Manager Permit and must be taken annually in order to keep the permit valid.

Responsible Vendor Certification

Designated or Permitted Managers are required to have a valid certificate from a certified program on the premises. The certification is valid for one year. The course must be must be taken prior to applying for a TABC Manager Permit and must be taken annually in order to keep the permit valid.

TABC Manager Permit

  • This permit is issued by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission and is valid for 5 years.
  • Each person applying for this permit must do so through the RLPS (Regulatory Licensing and Permitting System at tn.gov/abc.
  • The cost of the permit is $50.00
  • If permits like this are usually done through a corporate office, talk with your administrator to find out how to get this done.
  • Permit and RV Certification must be on the premises in case of a TABC audit.
  • NOTE: Sole Proprietors are not required to have a manager permit

TN Responsible Vendor Program – Licensing Requirements

TN Responsible Wine Vendor-Clerk Training and Certification