The U.S. Supreme Court in Tennessee Wine and Spirits Retailers Association v. Russel F. Thomas struck down Tennessee’s two-year residency requirement for anyone seeking an initial retail alcohol beverage license in that state to operate a retail liquor venue. 

The initial facts of the case are fairly simple and are well known by observers of the industry, and Wednesday’s outcome is not surprising). Total Wine and Spirits, the very large big-box retailer of alcoholic beverages attempted to obtain licensure in Tennessee for the operation of a retail location. The entity and its applicants are residents of the state of Maryland. Tennessee refused licensure, blocking the big-box retailer from operating, and the fight ensued.