Brownsville approves first reading of ordinance clarifying beer-permit eligibility

The Brownsville Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved on first reading an amendment to the city's beer ordinance that clarifies when the city can issue a beer permit.

The change adds a sentence stating the board intends that Tennessee Code Annotated 57-4, which regulates beer and alcohol, allows the beer board to issue a city beer permit once an applicant has received a liquor-by-the-drink permit from the state. Attorney Banks told the board the new line does not change the substance of the law but is intended to reduce confusion in how the local ordinance reads. "It really just clarifies it," Attorney Banks said.

City officials and the attorney described the change as restorative language that reflects prior local practice: when an establishment holds a state liquor-by-the-drink permit, the city will apply the same eligibility standards and issue a city beer permit. No additional substantive requirements were added in the amendment, the attorney said.

A board member moved to approve the ordinance on first reading and the board voted by voice to pass the measure on first reading; the transcript records a voice vote in favor and reports no opposition.

The ordinance will return to the board for its second reading and public hearing, after which a final vote is expected.