CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The City Council has given final approval to an ordinance that would set the maximum number of liquor stores allowed within city limits at 27, while removing the restriction of adding only two stores every two years. However, the ordinance was amended after further review to include distance limits.

At Thursday’s meeting, Councilperson Deanna McLaughlin presented an amendment that included an earlier proposal from Councilperson Ambar Marquis to put restrictions on the distance between liquor stores and other local landmarks.

These include:

• “No person, firm or corporation shall locate a retail liquor store closer than 500 feet to a school, park, or religious institution.”
• “No retail liquor store shall be located closer than 1,500 feet to any other liquor store.”

The amendment noted that any existing liquor stores are exempt from the distance restrictions. However, should one of the existing stores change their location, they will have to comply with the distance restrictions.

“I did speak to the Assessor of Property (Erinne Hester); her office is able to do an overlay that will outline what the distance requirement is for schools, religious institutions, parks and other liquor stores, to make it easier for the application process on our staff,” McLaughlin said.

“What I’m presenting or proposing in this amendment is stricter than what other cities in Tennessee have in distance requirements.”

McLaughlin said while the amendment won’t alter the lottery process, applicants will be expected to pay a $250 application fee moving forward, per the request of the city clerk.

The city attorney asked for the amendment to include the state’s requirement, which clearly defines what the new guidelines are for intoxicating liquor and drinks, according to McLaughlin.

There are currently 14 liquor stores in Clarksville, with two licenses issued for stores that have not yet opened.

Councilperson Travis Holleman said when going from 16 to 27 liquor stores within city limits, it seems like it’s not a responsible thing to do for the local community. “That is a 40% increase, that’s pretty substantial,” Holleman said.

The McLaughlin amendment passed 9-2 with Holleman and Wanda Smith voting no. Councilperson Brian Zacharias was absent. The amended ordinance was then approved by the same vote.

The ordinance is expected to take effect on July 1, 2025, according to McLaughlin.

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