RLPS is the Regulatory Licensing and Permitting System through the Tennessee Alcoholic and Beverage Commission. This TN Alcohol commission is responsible for issuing alcoholic beverage related licenses for anything over 8% or greater alcohol content. However, TABC does not work with beer permits which are handled locally.
Some of the licenses you can apply for through RLPS include Retail Food Store Wine License, Direct Shipper, Wholesaler, and Non-Resident Seller License.
The RLPS was launched in January of 2018 which made it easier for the agency to process for licenses and permits in the state. While the state did accept some paper applications up until February 1, after that, all new apps have been done on RLPS. Those who needed renewals had to use the system after April 1.
So, what do you need to know about RLPS?
With your first renewal using RLPS, make sure you don’t start the renewal application until after TABC comes to inspect your place of business. This typically happens within 60 days of your renewal date.
Individual owner info, such as what used to be collected on TABC questionnaires and declarations of citizenship, need to be submitted in RLPS for both new apps and your first time renewing. Here you need to share acceptable forms of ID and failure to do so might mean you can’t get a license.
Since RLPS is brand new, you might need to enter more information than usual since your information is not yet in the system. But then it will be there for you in upcoming years.
Here is a list of the documentation you will need to apply for a TN alcohol license. Also, keep in mind that the system isn’t mobile-enabled yet so you’ll want to work on a full computer. The supported browser is Internet Explorer so don’t try to use Chrome or another. Make sure your popup blocker is turned off for TABC pages as well so that you can get the messages from the system as you go through the process.
Make sure your servers have the proper training they need as well. Contact us at Aim to Serve to find out what you need to do to run a compliant alcohol-related business.