Liquor-by-the-Drink Wine-Only Restaurant License: Nashville restaurant guide
Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission
What it is
A lower-cost LBD license for restaurants serving wine and high-gravity beer but no spirits. The same 40-seat, more-than-50%-meals restaurant standards apply.
When a restaurant needs it
Restaurants serving wine but not spirits. Beer up to 8% alcohol by weight (about 10.1% ABV) still needs the Metro beer permit.
How to apply
Apply in RLPS with the same document set as the restaurant LBD license; TABC inspects on site.
Documents you’ll need
- Same documents as the LBD restaurant license (lease, menu, TTB registration, sales tax certificate, business licenses, U&O, health permit)
Good to know
Pick this if you'll never serve spirits. Upgrading later means a new application.
Official source
TABC — Liquor-by-the-drink license types · TABC — Fee schedule
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.