On-site liquor is on the ballot for unincorporated Hamilton County

By William Newlin

Voters in unincorporated Hamilton County will find an extra question at the bottom of their ballots on Election Day. A referendum is up for vote that would allow businesses in unincorporated areas to sell wine and liquor for customers to drink on-site.

If you live in one of the 10 municipalities in Hamilton County, you will not have a say in the referendum. Not sure if it’s on your ballot? See a sample ballot specific to you here.

Currently, restaurant and event space owners in unincorporated Hamilton County have to ask the Tennessee General Assembly for a “premier type tourist resort” designation to sell drinks with an alcohol content greater than 10.1% by volume. 

This referendum, which requires approval from at least half of voters to pass, would allow business owners the more straightforward step of applying for a liquor license directly from the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission. 

Here is the exact wording of the referendum:  

 __ FOR legal sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises in Hamilton County, Tennessee. 

__ AGAINST legal sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises in Hamilton County, Tennessee. 

Hamilton County Commissioners approved adding the referendum to November ballots at their April 10 meeting. District 7 Commissioner Lee Helton, who introduced the referendum, said approval would make restaurants in unincorporated areas more competitive with those in towns and cities. He also said allowing alcoholic beverage sales would raise funds for schools and infrastructure through new tax revenue.

“There’s going to be some strong opinions on both sides of this issue,” Helton said. “And at the end of the day, the people should and will have the opportunity to decide at the ballot box in November.”