Liquor by the drink reform
 
While COVID-19 and our necessary response to it has affected almost everyone, some businesses and venues have been much more negatively impacted than others. Outdated laws governing alcohol have recently allowed state and local governments to treat one establishment that serves alcohol differently than others. By addressing these outdated alcohol laws, we can end the current practice of treating one venue that serves alcohol differently than another.
 
No one should be required to sell an exact amount of food. You cannot make people buy food. The idea that food sobers you up is a myth. Fees should be the same for restaurants, bar, music venues, and all places that serve liquor. In the instance of a music venue that serves beer and liquor, customers are there mainly for entertainment and alcohol, and they eat before they go to the show. As long as the server is abiding by the states mandated blood alcohol content requirements, food should be an afterthought. If people just want to come drink to relieve the stress of the day, they should be allowed to. The bar/restaurant/venue should not be held accountable or taxed because of a patron’s choice to not eat while at your establishment. Some people can only afford to do one or the other. The food to alcohol percentage for licensing is outdated, and it has now led to one bar being treated differently than another; this needs to change.
 
Bars are being treated unjustly and unfairly all-around, but especially during COVID-19. Most of the bar owners I know, including myself, are extremely responsible. We hold ourselves to a higher standard of hygiene and general cleanliness year-round. Mainly because we want our guests to keep coming back. We care about our family, employees, and customers well-being. 
 
The Hi Tone Cafe paid to renew our liquor license in early March 2020 in the amount of $5,000.00, and we received the license shortly before a government level mandated shutdown. We have not been able to sell alcohol since 3/18/20 in our establishment and honestly did not want to try our hand at to-go. The risk seemed to outweigh the reward. I have spoken with TABC about receiving a prorated amount back because our license is paid for but essentially useless, to no avail. This should also be remedied. 
 
Here is a list of policy changes that could help businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Making these changes can protect these benefits and update very outdated laws governing alcohol:
-Bars should not be required to sell food. 
-If liquor is served on premise all these establishments pay the same amount. Whatever the 51% or more food to alcohol ratio fee is. 
-Prorate or return of all fees on liquor licenses that have not been used during COVID-19 
-All bars should have to play by the same rules. No exemptions or privileges given to Beale St. bars that are not extended to everyone else
-More clarity in general TABC rules and regulations
 
Thanks in advance,
Brian “Skinny” McCabe, Owner
The Hi Tone Cafe 
Hitonecafe.com
282-284 N Cleveland St.
Memphis, Tn 38104