The following is a list of a few critical issues TGCSA was a part of recently. TGCSA members are kept up to date and play an active part in the legislative issues. Through newsletters, phonecalls, emails and meetings, the association and its members make a difference in your business.


New Posting Requirements

Did you know during the 2006 legislative session a bill was passed imposing stricter penalties upon 18 to 20 year olds in possession of beer? The law also imposes responsibility on any beer retailer to post signs on the retailer's premises informing customers of the retailer's policy against selling beer to underage persons. The law went into effect July 1, 2006. TGCSA informed its members and has the required signs in static cling and laminated formats. TGCSA members can purchase these signs through TGCSA for $1.00 each. Click HERE for info.


New Law Effecting the Sale of Beer

Did you know there is a new law called the “Responsible Vendors Act” that will go into effect July 1, 2007? It affects any retailer selling beer. TGCSA has info for its members and also had a question/answer session at its annual convention and World of Food and Fuel Expo in April. More information is available to TGCSA members.


Bottle Bill

Did you know during the 2005, 2006 and 2007 legislative sessions TGCSA was successful in defeating legislation that would have placed a mandatory deposit on beverage containers?
That piece of legislation would have placed the burden on retailers to collect and hold used bottles and cans in their stores. Retailers would have also been responsible for collecting the deposit and returning the money to the state as a tax collector. TGCSA continues working to defeat this legislation. Members receive updated information about this and other legislation throughout the year. There is power in numbers.


Food Service Inspections

Did you know TGCSA took action on a proposed change in food service inspection regulations? TGCSA was a voice that expressed the concerns of smaller independent retailers and the many issues that would arise if such legislation passed. The legislation did not pass. With your membership and support we can continue to fight proposed laws such as this.


Receive Email Alerts

Did you know TGCSA sends email alerts on time sensitive information about such things as a recent scam letter that many retailers received around the state? This email saved TGCSA members hundreds of dollars because they were notified immediately by email of the scam. We also email alerts concerning fraudulent coupons.


Governor Bredensen and Wal-Mart

Did you know TGCSA recently wrote a letter to Governor Bredesen representing retailers and explaining how his proposed plan to align with Wal-Mart and develop a community college program to increase Wal-Mart’s workforce was a step in the wrong direction? TGCSA continues to fight for the independent retailer each and every day so our government officials recognize our needs and concerns.


Cigerette Taxes and Gift Certificates

Did you know TGCSA is active in representing its members on issues such as cigarette taxes and gift certificates? Both these issues were high priority this legislative session and TGCSA is assuring that legislators understand the issues fully.


Food Stamps

Did you know TGCSA is currently working with the state to lengthen the period of time that food stamps are released during the month? TGCSA would like to see the period extended from its current 10-day period so grocers can better serve their customers.

Sales Tax

Did you know TGCSA sent critical information within days to its members specifying how the increased tax would affect them when the legislature increased state sales tax on non-food items? TGCSA also responded to questions from retailers across the state and met with the Department of Revenue to discuss issues that had developed from the passage of the legislation.


Beer Sales Sitings

Did you know that during the 2003 legislative session the General Assembly passed legislation that allows retailers to conduct their own stings at their stores for illegal sales to minors of beer, tobacco and lottery tickets? This legislation enables retailers to find problems and correct them efficiently. It also states that law enforcement must follow the same rules that the merchant has to follow in conducting these stings.


Lottery

Did you know TGCSA lobbied for retailers selling lottery tickets to receive 6.5% of all lottery ticket sales instead of the 5% the legislature initially proposed? TGCSA was successful and because of these efforts, retailers across the state will receive an estimated 15 million dollars more from the sale of lottery tickets. TGCSA continues to monitor the lottery and notifies its retail members of any information they may need through its Lottery/C-Store committee