Council approves changes to beer-sales rules to allow special-event sales citywide with event-review safeguards
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Summary
City Council approved an ordinance streamlining rules for beer sales at special events to provide consistent permitting and allow events, including in residential areas, provided organizers complete the special-events review and safety-notification process.
Knoxville City Council voted to amend sections of the city code governing possession and sale of beer on certain property to streamline permitting for special events and expand where events with beer sales may occur.
The ordinance (item 9a) passed after a short public comment period and a question-and-answer exchange with Kendra Brewer, the city—s director of special events, who described the special-events permit review. Brewer said applicants must apply for a special-event permit 90 days before an event; staff convenes to check for calendar conflicts, location feasibility, right-of-way impacts, safety and traffic; and organizers must submit site maps and traffic plans. Special-events beer permit applications must be in the process at least 70 days before the event so staff can review before the Beer Board considers an alcohol permit.
Council members asked how neighbors would be notified if an event with beer sales were approved in a residential area. Brewer said staff follows established outreach steps including door-to-door notifications and flyers in mailboxes when events traverse or impact residential streets, and staff coordinates with neighborhood associations for broader notice. She cited the USA Cycling example where organizers knocked on doors and distributed information.
Council asked about enforcement and underage consumption. Vice Mayor Smith confirmed Knoxville Police Department has the same enforcement oversight for special-event beer permits that it does for on-premise licenses.
Seth Barber, speaking in favor, told council the change would help spread events beyond downtown and provide new opportunities for neighborhood events. No speakers registered in opposition.
Councilmembers emphasized that legacy and large events retain scheduling priority and that staff considers capacity and conflicts when reviewing special-event permit requests. The ordinance was approved with no recorded roll-call in the public transcript.