News Summary
On March 18, 2025, the Sevier County Beer Board revoked the beer license of Floyd’s Market due to repeated violations related to underage alcohol sales. This decision comes after an incident where a minor was able to purchase beer without being asked for identification. The board’s action reflects growing community concerns over alcohol accessibility to minors, prompting a necessary pause to ensure safety in the area.
Sevierville Shakes Things Up as Beer Board Takes Action Against Floyd’s Market
In a surprising turn of events, the Sevier County Beer Board has made a bold decision, revoking the beer license of Floyd’s Market/Jimmy’s Market on March 18, 2025. This move follows a series of troubling incidents where the market was caught selling beer to underage customers.
A Troubling History
Floyd’s Market, which also houses a Marathon gas station nestled by the entrance to the Sevier County Convenience Center on Chapman Highway, has had its fair share of issues in the past. This isn’t new ground for them; back in 2017, the store was already cited for selling alcohol to minors. Despite that warning, things took a turn for the worse recently. The particular incident that sparked the Beer Board’s action occurred on November 21, 2024, when a 20-year-old officer managed to buy beer from the store without having their ID checked. This blatant disregard for checking IDs raised red flags galore.
Signs of Change
Following the Beer Board’s decision, customers visiting Floyd’s Market were greeted by signs proclaiming, “No Beer Sorry”, plastered across the refrigerators. The message was clear: this market is taking a time-out from selling beer. The situation stirred up plenty of conversations among community members, especially among parents who have voiced their concerns about minors accessing alcohol.
Community Voices Heard
Local Sevier County Commissioner Chad Ogle, who flips more than just burgers in his role on the Beer Board, pointed out the increasing number of complaints from parents. He underscored the board’s serious approach toward maintaining the integrity of alcohol sales in the community; the decision to revoke the license is seen as one taken with serious contemplation aimed at deterring future illegal sales.
Why This Matters
Ogle elaborated on how allowing minors to access alcohol can lead to dangerous situations, particularly on the often-bustling Chapman Highway. He emphasized that young people simply don’t have the same cognitive reasoning as adults, making it all the more critical to uphold laws that exist to protect them. Keeping alcohol out of their reach isn’t just a rule—it’s a necessity for their safety and the community’s well-being.
The Road Ahead for Floyd’s Market
For store owner Muhammad Usman Fayyazi, this is a challenging moment. With the Beer Board having exercised its authority to revoke the store’s license, Floyd’s Market is now barred from applying for a new beer license for a full year. While Fayyazi has the avenue to appeal the decision through the court system, the path forward will require substantial effort to restore his store’s reputation and regain the community’s trust.
What’s Next?
The action taken by the Beer Board is not just a lesson for Floyd’s Market but also serves as a wake-up call for other local establishments. All eyes will be on the future compliance of similar businesses as the community prioritizes safety and responsible selling practices. Parents will likely feel a sense of relief with the Beer Board’s decision, hoping it paves the way for stricter enforcement against underage sales in the area.
As the dust settles on this significant decision, one thing is clear—Sevier County is determined to keep its streets safe for everyone. Here’s hoping the next chapter for Floyd’s Market includes a renewed commitment to following the rules and protecting the youth of our vibrant community.
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Additional Resources
- WATE: Beer Permit Revoked
- The Mountain Press: Beer Sales License Revoked
- WBIR: Sevierville Voters on Liquor Stores
- Wikipedia: Alcohol Regulation in the U.S.
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alcohol
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
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