Guesswork is over for beer sales

Beginning today, everyone will be required to show identification before buying beer in Tennessee stores -- no matter how old the buyer appears.

It will be the first state to make universal carding mandatory, says the National Alcohol Beverage Control Assn. However, the law does not apply to beer sales in bars and restaurants, and it does not cover wine and liquor.

Supporters say it keeps grocery store and convenience store clerks from having to guess a customer’s age.

Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen, 63, said it was a good way to address the problems of underage drinking. He added, “I’ll be very pleased when I’m carded, and in my mind I’ll just imagine it’s because I look so young.”