White House council interviews three retail liquor‑store applicants; requests legal opinion on ownership limits

The White House City Council on Monday interviewed three applicants seeking retail liquor‑store permits and asked them to provide legal opinions confirming compliance with state ownership limits before the council considers approval.

At the start of new business the council heard from Bridal Patel of Red Carpet Liquors, who described a family‑owned group that operates two existing stores and is proposing a roughly 10,000‑square‑foot building on Raymond Hirsch Parkway with a 7,000‑square‑foot liquor store and a 3,000‑square‑foot restaurant or bar. "We are family owned and operated businesses over 20 years," Patel said, adding the company requires annual responsible‑vendor training and uses digital ID checks to prevent underage sales. Patel said opening the location would create "at least 10 to 15 local jobs" and increase state and local sales tax revenue.

Council members raised concerns about Tennessee ownership limits. The chair noted that the Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) and state rules limit the number of retail licenses an individual may hold. A council member pressed whether the proposed ownership structure could constitute indirect ownership or landlord ownership under state rules; staff advised the applicants to obtain a written opinion from an attorney who handles Tennessee ABC matters. "If y'all could get an opinion from us or from the state board or something ... before the meeting, that would be helpful," a staff member said. Staff asked that any opinion be submitted by May 5 for inclusion in the next agenda packet; applicants agreed to consult counsel and provide documentation.

The council then heard from Grishma Patel, who described plans for Cider Grove Wine and Spirits at 2931 Highway 31 W. Patel said the site plan is preapproved and the proposed building would be about 4,500 square feet. She emphasized product tastings, special events, online ordering and delivery, and staff trained through the state program to prevent underage sales. "Given this structure, we would be adding at least a minimum of 10 jobs to the community," she said, and confirmed she would be present during initial operations before hiring managers.

Finally, Kalpesh Patel and Nilesh Patel presented a proposal for Superstop Market at 2500 Highway 31 W., saying the location would serve a different side of town and avoid cannibalizing existing businesses. The applicants acknowledged past incidents in which staff sold to underage customers, saying those employees were dismissed and that new systems (ID scanners and point‑of‑sale blocks) would be implemented to prevent repeat violations.

No formal permit votes were taken at the meeting. The council approved the meeting agenda by voice vote earlier in the session. Council staff instructed applicants to provide an attorney opinion addressing TCA ownership and indirect‑ownership provisions by May 5 so the council can review legal compliance before acting.

The council closed the interviews and adjourned.