The Board of Mayor and Aldermen adopted Ordinance 2025-09, a comprehensive update to its beer regulations that modernizes language, simplifies permit classifications, and aligns local policy with current legal standards and community expectations. Many of the revised provisions had remained largely unchanged since 1983.

Changes in Ordinance 2025-09

1. Housekeeping Revisions - These updates improve readability and consistency without altering the ordinance’s intent. Examples include:
   • Replacing general references with “Town of Collierville”
   • Clarifying definitions and updating legal terminology
   • Reorganizing sections for better structure
2. Substantive Revisions - The ordinance introduces several meaningful policy changes:
   • Simplified Permit Classifications: Reduced from six to four categories:
     • Class I: On-Premises Consumption (e.g., bars, restaurants; food sales no longer required)
     • Class II: Off-Premises Consumption (e.g., grocery and convenience stores)
     • Class III: On- and Off-Premises (e.g., hotels, golf courses, growler sales)
     • Class IV: Special Events (temporary permits valid up to 30 days)
   • Special Events Permits: Up to four per applicant annually, for nonprofit and catered events on both private and Town-owned property.
   • Distance Requirements Removed: Proximity restrictions to schools, churches, and public institutions are eliminated. Compatibility will now be zoning based.
   • Liquor Store Cap Adjusted: Replaces the fixed cap with a scalable limit—one license per 10,000 residents.
   • Provisional Permits: The Town Clerk may issue provisional permits to expedite the process. Provisional permits will be confirmed by the Beer Board during their next scheduled meeting.
   • Eligibility Updates: Removes outdated citizenship/residency duration requirements while maintaining identity verification.
   • Outdated Restrictions Eliminated: Includes removal of bans on video games, dancing, pool tables, and “brown bagging.”
   • Privilege Tax Alignment: Updates inspection fees and enforcement procedures to match state law.

How the Beer Permit Process Works

The Town of Collierville’s Beer Board oversees the regulation of beer sales, storage, and distribution. Here’s how the permit process works:

1. Application Submission:
   • Applications must be submitted to the Administration Department.
   • A $377 fee is required for standard permits; $100 for a one-day special event permit plus $50 for each additional day with a maximum fee of $250.
2. Review and Approval:
   • The Beer Board meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at Town Hall, when there is business to conduct.
3. Provisional Permits:
   • Qualified applicants may receive a provisional permit from the Town Clerk to begin operations while awaiting final Beer Board approval.
4. Compliance and Inspections:
   • All permit holders are subject to inspections and must comply with local and state regulations.

For more information or to apply for a permit, visit the Beer Permit Application page here: colliervilletn.gov/beer