TCA 39-17-703
Receiving, possessing, and transporting alcoholic beverages
MISDEMEANOR AClass A Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
It is illegal to receive, possess, or transport alcohol that you intend to resell or redistribute if the proper taxes have not been paid on it, unless you are officially authorized to do so. This also covers possessing alcohol to deliver it to customers for a fee or service charge. If you have more than 5 gallons of alcohol without a receipt from a licensed seller, the law assumes you plan to resell it. The penalty is up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500. This is a more serious offense than TCA 39-17-702.
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass A Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail11 months 29 days
Maximum Fine$2,500
Penalty SummaryClass A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500
(a) No person, unless authorized to do so under title 57, shall receive, possess or transport with the intent to redistribute or resell in this state any intoxicating liquor that has not had all taxes attributable to the intoxicating liquor paid. (b) It shall be inferred that any receipt, possession, or transportation of more than five (5) gallons of intoxicating liquors that is not accompanied by a receipt or documentation from an entity holding a license issued under § 57-3-203, § 57-3-204, § 57-3-207 or § 57-3-218 is for the purpose of resale or distribution. (c) No person, unless authorized to do so pursuant to title 57, shall receive, possess, or transport an intoxicating liquor with the intent to deliver the intoxicating liquor to customers resulting in a fee or service charge. (d) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
MISDEMEANOR A
TCA Section39-17-703
Max Jail11 months 29 days
Max Fine$2,500