Permits for a Bar / Nightclub in Memphis, Tennessee

Permit authorizing the retail sale of beer (up to 8% ABW) for on-premises consumption. Issued by the local beer board in each municipality or county. Required for restaurants, bars, and breweries selling beer for on-site consumption.

State license authorizing the sale of liquor, wine, and beer by the drink for on-premises consumption. Required for bars and restaurants serving mixed drinks in Tennessee. Issued by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). Municipality must have approved liquor-by-the-drink via referendum.

TABC license for bars, lounges, and limited-service restaurants to sell liquor, wine, and high-gravity beer for on-premises consumption. Unlike the full restaurant license, limited-service establishments are not required to derive a majority of revenue from food.

Individual permit required for all servers, bartenders, and managers who serve or sell alcoholic beverages at on-premises licensed establishments in Tennessee. Valid for two years (changed from five years effective January 1, 2025). Must complete approved server training course.

Required for any individual who serves, sells, or mixes alcoholic beverages in a licensed establishment. Must complete an approved responsible vendor training course. The permit fee is $20 paid to the ABC.

Tennessee requires virtually all businesses to register for Business Tax with the Department of Revenue. Gross receipts $3,000-$100,000 require a minimal activity license from the county/municipal clerk ($15/year). Businesses with $100,000+ file and pay business tax quarterly or annually.

Registration required for all businesses selling goods or services in Tennessee. Tennessee imposes a business tax (gross receipts tax) at both state and local levels. Businesses must register with the county clerk and the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

Tennessee does not have a state income tax on wages (the Hall Tax on investment income was fully repealed in 2021). However, employers must register with the Tennessee Department of Labor for unemployment insurance tax purposes.

Registration with Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development for unemployment insurance tax. Required if you pay $1,500+ in wages in any quarter or have at least one employee for 20 weeks. Tennessee has no state income tax withholding. New employer rate is 2.7% on first $7,000 per employee.

Tennessee requires workers' compensation for employers with 5+ employees (construction: 1+). Competitive-state system — purchase from private carriers. Covers medical expenses and lost wages for work-related injuries.

Tennessee requires workers' compensation insurance for employers with 5 or more employees. Coverage must be obtained from a commercial carrier or through self-insurance approved by the state. Restaurant/bar industry rates typically run $1.50-$3.00 per $100 of payroll.

Certificate confirming a building or tenant space meets all building codes, fire codes, and zoning requirements. Required before any business can open in a new or renovated space.

Inspection and approval by the State Fire Marshal or local fire department for commercial establishments. Required for restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Covers fire suppression systems, emergency exits, occupancy limits, and alarm systems.

Certificate issued by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office or local fire department following inspection for fire code compliance. Required for all places of public assembly, restaurants, bars, and commercial kitchens.

At least one person in charge at each food service establishment must hold a valid food protection manager certification from an ANSI-accredited program (e.g., ServSafe). Required under Tennessee food safety regulations.

Food handler training for employees of food service establishments in Tennessee. Certified food protection manager required per establishment. Training from approved providers.

Annual permit required for all food service establishments in Tennessee. Issued by the Tennessee Department of Health through county health departments. Fee based on seating capacity: 0-50 seats = $210, 51+ seats = $360. Requires passing health inspection.

Permit required for all food service establishments operating in Tennessee. Issued by county or metropolitan health departments under Tennessee Department of Health authority. Requires plan review, facility inspection, and ongoing compliance with Tennessee Food Safety Act.

Permit required for installation of business signage. Tennessee regulates outdoor advertising through TDOT at the state level. Local jurisdictions regulate business signage through zoning ordinances. Most municipalities require permits for new sign installation.

Tennessee levies a franchise tax (0.25% of net worth, min $100) and excise tax (6.5% of net income) on LLCs, corporations, and business trusts. Sole proprietors and general partnerships exempt.

Registration with Tennessee Department of Revenue for collection and remittance of state and local sales tax. State rate is 7% plus local rates of 1.5-2.75%. Required for any business selling tangible goods or taxable services. No fee to register.

Registration with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for sales and use tax collection. Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services. Tennessee has a 7% state sales tax plus local rates. No cost to register.

Certificate required before occupying any commercial space in Tennessee. Issued by local building/codes department after final inspection confirms the space meets building codes, fire codes, and zoning for the intended use. Required for new construction, renovations, and changes of use.

Verification from local zoning/planning department that proposed business use is permitted in the zoning district. Required before obtaining a business license in most Tennessee municipalities.