Tennessee

• 1/1/2015 last updated

It is illegal to own a still for the purpose of distilling moonshine in the state of Tennessee. The law is specific about the use for manufacturing ethanol, but not about owning a still, or using a still for distilling water, essential oils, etc.

Because it is specific to only alcohol manufacturing it should be legal to own a still as long as it is not use to manufacture alcohol.

39-17-707. Possession of still

• (a) It is unlawful for any person to have possession or control of any still or other apparatus, or part of any still or other apparatus, used or intended to be used for the purpose of manufacturing intoxicating liquor as prohibited by law.
• (b) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

Tennessee does offer a fuel alcohol license. It does not seem to require a distiller’s license and does not cost anything for fewer than 1,000 gallons. You can manufacture up to 2,500 gallons for a cost of $100.
Tennessee application and permit for production of fuel alcohol

a Tennessee distillers license costs $1,000 per year and a $300 application fee. No micro distillery license seems to be available. Forms can be found here

There are several licenses you need to request to legally manufacture spirits. Below are the federal licenses only. Additional state requirements will need to be followed as well.

You must submit a request for a license to manufacture spirits: TTB 5110.41 Basic permit.

This license only allows you to produce spirits. You also need a license for the distilling equipment / distillery: TTB 5100.24 Distilled spirit plant

For manufacturing ethanol fuel you will need to submit a request for a TTB 5110.74 for a federal license.

39-17-707. Possession of still

• (a) It is unlawful for any person to have possession or control of any still or other apparatus, or part of any still or other apparatus, used or intended to be used for the purpose of manufacturing intoxicating liquor as prohibited by law.
• (b) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

39-17-706. Manufacture of alcoholic beverages

• (a) It is unlawful for any person, company, or other entity to manufacture intoxicating beverages unless authorized by law to do so; provided, that this section shall not be construed to prohibit the manufacture of alcohol for use as a fuel to power motor-driven vehicles and machinery or for heating purposes or of not less than one hundred eighty-eight (188) proof for chemical, pharmaceutical, medical, and bacteriological purposes.
• (b) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Current federal laws allow citizens the right to own a still and operate it for non-alcohol production.

This means legally you can:

• Own, manufacture, sell or be in possession of a still.
• Distill water
• Produce essential oils or other non-alcohol liquids
• Fuel production is legal federally with the correct licenses.

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