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SB 2019

Alcoholic Beverages - As introduced, requires the reinstatement of a license or permit issued to an alcoholic beverage wholesaler or retailer that was revoked or suspended based on a refusal by the wholesaler or retailer to permit the commissioner of revenue to examine the books, papers, and records of the wholesaler or retailer within five business days of the wholesaler or retailer providing the documents. - Amends TCA Title 57.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Richard Briggs

Reinstate alcohol licenses revoked only for refusing document inspection if compliance occurs within five business days of request.

Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 4/22/2026
#alcoholicbeverages
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Bill Summary · SB 2019

Legislative bill overview

SB 2019 requires Tennessee to reinstate alcoholic beverage licenses or permits that were revoked or suspended solely because a wholesaler or retailer refused to allow the Department of Revenue to inspect their financial records within five business days of receiving a request. The bill modifies existing enforcement procedures in Tennessee's alcoholic beverage regulatory framework.

Why is this important

License revocation is a severe penalty that can destroy a business. This bill creates a safeguard by requiring reinstatement if the only violation was document inspection refusal, potentially protecting businesses from losing their licenses over procedural delays rather than substantive misconduct. It also clarifies the timeline for compliance (five business days), reducing ambiguity in enforcement.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory enforcement weakening: Critics may argue the bill hampers the Department of Revenue's ability to audit for tax evasion, fraud, or illegal activity by creating a reinstatement obligation regardless of why inspection was refused
  • Unequal application: The bill only addresses refusal-based suspensions, not those based on other violations, raising questions about fairness across enforcement categories
  • Five-day timeline practicality: Businesses may lack resources to compile extensive records in five business days; conversely, regulators may view this as insufficient time to conduct thorough audits

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

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