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Town hears options on limiting concentration of retail package stores
Summary
Attorney Curtis Harrington and local business owner Steve Poe briefed the board on tools to limit the concentration of retail package stores (liquor stores) using population-based caps, radius buffers or quadrants; board requested data and examples to inform possible ordinance drafting.
The board received an informational briefing about potential town code changes to limit the concentration of retail package stores.
Curtis Harrington, an attorney who said he represents members of the state wine and spirits retail association, outlined approaches used by other Tennessee jurisdictions: caps tied to population, fixed-radius buffers between stores, and quadrant-based limits to preserve reasonable access while preventing clustering. Harrington said the policy conversation is "two pronged": public-health and safety considerations and concerns of existing retailers about protecting their investment.
Board members asked for additional data and examples, including how a radius or population cap would affect existing businesses in Tollgate and Fountain View, and requested staff return options with precedent examples (Smyrna, Gallatin, Sevierville) and draft language. The board did not vote or direct immediate ordinance drafting; staff indicated it can produce options for future consideration.
