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Tennesseans Have Distillery Option

By Angela Hatton

Nashville, TN – Tennessee county governments can decide whether they want distilleries located in their communities under a proposal signed by the governor. Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen signed the measure into law today. It takes effect immediately. Originally, the proposal would have automatically allowed distilleries in any county that had previously approved liquor sales in restaurants and package stores. But sponsors reached a compromise that allows county governments to opt in or out. Currently, the production of distilled spirits is legal in only three Tennessee counties. Sponsors say the law is meant to give craft distilleries the same opportunity as wineries in the state.