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HB 1803

Alcoholic Beverages - As introduced, adds the bottling of distilled spirits to the definition of "manufacture" for purposes of licensing and regulation of the manufacturing of alcoholic beverages. - Amends TCA Title 57, Chapter 3.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jake McCalmon

HB 1803 requires distilled spirits bottlers to obtain manufacturing licenses by explicitly including bottling in Tennessee's definition of alcoholic beverage manufacture.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 833
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Bill Summary · HB 1803

Legislative bill overview

HB 1803 expands Tennessee's definition of "manufacture" for alcoholic beverage licensing to explicitly include the bottling of distilled spirits. Currently, bottling operations may exist in a regulatory gray area, and this bill clarifies that bottling distilled spirits requires a manufacturing license under state law.

Why is this important

This clarification affects the distilled spirits industry in Tennessee by establishing clear licensing requirements for bottling operations. It could streamline regulatory compliance, prevent unlicensed bottling operations, and potentially generate licensing revenue while ensuring product safety and tax compliance standards are met for spirits bottling facilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry compliance costs: Small or craft distilleries may face increased licensing fees and regulatory burdens if they currently bottle without explicit manufacturing licenses
  • Scope of "bottling": Ambiguity about whether this applies only to large-scale commercial bottling or also to small-batch operations, private labeling, or contract bottling arrangements
  • Competitive advantage: Existing licensed manufacturers may benefit from stricter enforcement against previously unregulated competitors, raising fairness concerns for new market entrants

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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