Ask the Memphian: Why does Memphis require liquor stores to be 1,500 feet away from a church or school?
Supporters of The Station hold up signs at the City of Memphis Alcohol Commission meeting Dec. 17, 2025. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)
As attorneys for Ethan Edwards pleaded his case on Dec. 17 before the Alcohol Commission to open a high-end liquor store in East Memphis, more than 30 of his supporters waved signs that read “1,559.37.”
Those numbers indicate the distance Edwards and an engineering firm he hired to do a survey say lies between The Station, which is now partially open at 870 S. White Station Road, and Woodland Presbyterian School at 5217 Park Ave.
Those last four digits are important because, based on a city law that’s been around for more than 50 years, liquor stores must be at least 1,500 feet away from a church, school, library or park.
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Jody Callahan
Jody Callahan graduated with degrees in journalism and economics from what is now known as the University of Memphis. He has covered news in Memphis for more than 25 years.
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