Working as a bartender, server, or retail liquor store employee in Sevier County can be rewarding, but it also carries serious legal responsibilities. Tennessee law strictly prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under 21, and violations can lead to citations, fines, license suspensions, and even criminal charges.
At Champagne Law Firm, we represent hospitality workers and retail employees in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and across Sevier County who have been cited for selling alcohol to underage customers. We understand how stressful these cases can be, especially when your job and future employment are on the line.
The Law on Underage Alcohol Sales in Tennessee
Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 57-5-301 and related statutes, it is illegal to:
- Sell or furnish alcohol to anyone under 21.
- Allow underage consumption on the premises.
- Fail to properly check identification before making a sale.
Violations can result in:
- Citations and Criminal Charges – Often Class A misdemeanors, punishable by fines and potential jail time.
- ABC Violations – The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) may investigate and impose penalties on businesses.
- Employment Consequences – Many employers require termination for employees cited in underage sales cases.
Who Gets Cited?
Citations for selling alcohol to minors are not limited to business owners. They often target:
- Bartenders – Accused of serving drinks without verifying age.
- Waiters and Waitresses – Charged for bringing alcohol to underage patrons at restaurants.
- Retail Clerks – Penalized for selling beer, wine, or liquor without properly checking IDs.
- Managers and Owners – Sometimes cited if they fail to train or supervise staff.
In Sevier County’s tourism-heavy communities, undercover compliance checks are common. Law enforcement and TABC agents frequently run stings at bars, restaurants, and liquor stores to enforce the law.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Even a single citation can have serious consequences for your record, career, and future. Having an experienced attorney by your side can make the difference between a costly mistake that follows you for years and a manageable resolution.
At Champagne Law Firm, we can help by:
- Defending Your Rights in Court – Fighting to reduce or dismiss charges.
- Negotiating with Prosecutors – Working to minimize fines and penalties.
- Protecting Your Job and License – Helping you and your employer respond to TABC investigations.
- Advising on Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Compliance – Strengthening your future defense by showing you’ve taken proactive steps.
How Champagne Law Firm Helps Sevier County Workers
Attorney Kelly Champagne-Deutekom understands the unique pressures faced by hospitality and retail workers in a tourist hub like Sevier County. Whether you were cited during an undercover sting in Gatlinburg, a restaurant service in Pigeon Forge, or behind the counter at a Sevierville liquor store, our firm can provide the representation you need.
We take a strategic, compassionate approach protecting your rights while working toward the best possible outcome so you can move forward with your life and career.
Final Thoughts
If you are a bartender, server, or liquor store employee in Sevier County who has been cited for selling alcohol to someone underage, don’t face the legal system alone. These charges carry serious consequences, but with skilled legal representation, you may be able to protect your record, your reputation, and your livelihood.
Contact Champagne Law Firm today to speak with a Sevier County liquor law defense attorney. We proudly serve clients in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and across East Tennessee. Call 865-228-8080 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.
