Leiper's Fork House Spirits cleared to sell beer; board hears questions about distillery server rules

The City of Franklin Beer Board on Aug. 12 approved an on-premises beer permit for Leiper's Fork House Spirits and discussed how state alcohol rules apply to distilleries. Attorney Rob Pinson and co-owner Lindley Kennedy told the board that while distilleries must follow the same prohibitions against serving underage or visibly intoxicated customers, Tennessee does not currently require a separate server-permit for distillery staff equivalent to the ABC server card used in restaurants. Pinson said there is a supplier representative permit for interactions with wholesalers, but no mandatory distillery server permit exists under current state practice. Board members pressed the applicant about staff training and food service. The owners said their House of Spirits location offers a food menu (about eight to 12 items) and serves food throughout the day; the kitchen closes at 10 p.m. They described mandatory staff training and internal procedures to check IDs and refuse service to underage or intoxicated patrons. City staff said Stable Reserve is another area distillery that holds a beer permit, and that distilleries elsewhere in the county may hold similar permits through county processes. Alderman Barnhill, Alderman Caesar and the chair voted yes on the permit. The board recorded no further local conditions beyond the usual permit requirements; staff recommended approval after application review.