Yes, absinthe is legal in Tennessee, but only if it meets federal and state alcohol content and labeling requirements. The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) enforces these rules, aligning with the 2007 federal ban lift on thujone levels. Retailers must ensure products contain ≤10 ppm thujone and are properly labeled as absinthe.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Tennessee
- Thujone Limit: State law mirrors federal standards, permitting absinthe with ≤10 parts per million (ppm) of thujone, the psychoactive compound historically restricted.
- Labeling Requirements: Products must display accurate alcohol by volume (ABV) and ingredient lists. Mislabeling absinthe as “spirit” or “liqueur” without classification is prohibited.
- Licensing Compliance: Retailers and distributors must hold valid TABC licenses. Selling absinthe without proper permits risks fines or revocation under the 2023 Tennessee Code Annotated § 57-3-101.
Local enforcement prioritizes underage access prevention, with TABC conducting routine inspections. The 2026 legislative session may introduce stricter labeling audits for high-proof spirits, including absinthe, following national trends in distilled spirits oversight.