New Tennessee ABC Director Takes Helm and Steers WIGS One More Lap Toward Selling Wine in Food Stores

It is official.  The head honcho is in the driver’s seat.

Newly minted Director Clayton Byrd sent us his first “official” e-mail today on behalf of the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission.  For those deeply ensconced in WIGS, Director Byrd had great news.

WIGS applicants are encouraged to send in the $1,250 license fee, if the ABC has issued a “letter of approval.”

We were just on a conference call today, speculating how the ABC would handle approving food stores for the sale of wine on July 1.  Paying license fees is a crucial part of the process.

In order to cross the finish line, WIGS applicants must:

• Receive a letter of approval from the ABC
• Pay the $1,250 license fee
• Be approved as a Responsible Wine Vendor.

It remains to be seen whether the ABC will require that licenses be issued by the ABC and posted at stores before wine can be sold on July 1.

Calls to mind the 1998 classic by Cake, Satan is my Motor:

I’ve got a mind that can steer me to your house
And a heart that can bring you red flowers
My intentions are good and earnest and true
But under my hood is internal combustion

Director Byrd’s historic e-mail is as follows:

All:

Effective immediately, the ABC in Nashville will begin accepting payment of the annual license fee of $1,250.00 per application for retail food store wine licenses.

Only applicants holding a “letter of approval” are authorized to submit payment.

At this time, the ABC will process payments in accordance with existing methods utilized by the commission (by mail or in person).

The ABC will only accept checks written on business accounts, certified checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders for the license fee. Global money orders will not be accepted.

On the memo line of the check or money order, please indicate “retail food store wine license fee.”

Please understand that payment alone does not guarantee receipt of the license by July 1st.

A retail food store may not receive a license pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. Section § 57-3-803, if cause exists to contest the issuance of the license, including, but not necessarily limited to, responsible vendor status, ABC inspection, or any other condition outlined in the letter of approval.

I look forward to working together. Please forward this email to any additional affected industry representatives.

Thank you,

Clay

Clayton Byrd
Executive Director
Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission

We see Director Byrd’s first directive as a positive step toward making the ABC more responsive to industry.  Cheers Clay!

Source: https://lastcall.bonelaw.com