Blount County Beer Board approves beer permit for Easy Stop Food Mart on U.S. 411 South

The Blount County Government Beer Board approved the second reading of an on- and off-premises beer permit for Easy Stop Food Mart Inc., 343531 U.S. Highway 411 South in Maryville, the board announced during a regular meeting. Attorney Craig Garrett recommended the board grant the permit after the applicant presented required documentation.

The recommendation followed testimony from John Hunt, identified by the board as president of Easy Stop Food Mart Inc., and presentation of a certified distance survey from the sheriff’s department showing no schools, churches or places of public gathering within 1,000 feet and no residences within 300 feet of the proposed site. "I would recommend to the board that, this applicant meets the criteria for the issuance of beer permit," Attorney Craig Garrett said during the hearing.

The board moved and voted on the permit after Garrett’s recommendation. Commissioner French made the motion to approve the permit; Commissioner Carver seconded. The clerk announced affirmative votes and the chair told Hunt, "your permit has been approved, and you may pick that up after 09:00 sometime in the morning." Hunt said the business hopes to open "the 20 fifth or maybe a little sooner," subject to board approval.

At the meeting the board also conducted routine business: commissioners voted to set the agenda (motion by Commissioner Carver, second by Commissioner Davis) and to approve minutes from the July 17, 2025, meeting (motion by Commissioner Mike Mahan, second by Commissioner Martin); the clerk recorded affirmative votes on those motions. The board adjourned following the permit action (motion by Commissioner Martin, second by Commissioner Carver).